USA > Connecticut > A gazetteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode-Island : written with care and impartiality, from original and authentic materials : consisting of two parts : with an accurate and improved map of each state > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
323
PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
The next most considerable stream is the Pawtuxet, which forms a part of the southern boun- dary, and hás its principal sources in this county.
The Wanasquatucket and Ma- shasuck are valuable and interest- ing mill streams, affording numerous excellent sites for mills, manufac- turing establishments and hydrau- lic works of every description, which are generally occupied. These streams discharge their wa- ters into Providence Cove.
The commercial interests of this county are extensive, and are prin- cipally confined to the town of Providence ; which, for commer- cial enterprise, activity and busi- ness, maintains a pre-eminentrank. Providence carries on a trade with almost every part of the civilized world. But the most important and extensive branches consist of a trade to the East-Indies, with the island of Cuba, and a coasting trade with the southern States, consisting principally of the exportation of the manufactures of the county, and the importation of cotton and some other southern staples.
But notwithstanding the com- mercial importance of Providence, the great interest for which this county is distinguished, and which seems destined to render it one of the most important and wealthy sections of the United States, is the cotton manufacture. When we consider that it is but about fifteen years since this business first re- ceived its principal impulse, the inauspicious circumstances under which it was commenced, the dif- ficulties which it has had to en- counter, from the want of practical knowledge, the prejudice which ex-
isted, the opposition from interest, arising from established commer- cial relations, the unequal compe- tition which it has had to sustain with the British manufacturing in- terests ; when we consider these and other circumstances, it must be a matter of surprise, that it has acquired the importance, and grown to the extent that it has. If the short and inauspicious period of a few years has produced such results, what may not be expected in half a century ? Notwithstand- ing all the difficulties which have been experienced, there is no ex- ample in any other country, of a manufacturing interest, unaided by the power or resources of govern- ment, having grown to such impor- tance in so short a period. This county and vicinity, having taken the lead of all other places in the Union, in the cotton manufacture, it is here that we must look for the Manchesters and Boltons of America ; and Providence will thence become another Liverpool, the great depot of manufactures, which will be exported to every part of America, and to foreign countries. These views may be thought sanguine, but we trust that they are authorized by the ex- ample of England and other ma- nufacturing nations, and the known enterprise and industry of our citi- zens. There are now 52 cotton factories in this county, of which a large proportion are upon an cx- tensive scale, and are now in ope- ration. Experience has greatly im- proved the skill necessary in the business ; and cotton goods are now made, which, for style of ma- nufacture, are scarcely inferior to British fabrics, whilst their texture
324
PROVIDENCE
is much more firm and substantial. This business at the present time employs a vast amount of capital, and an immense aggregate of in- dustry.
Another important department of manufacturing industry is the jewelry business, which is carried on extensively in Providence. The iron manufacture is also of consid- erable importance, particularly the casting business, which is carried on extensively at the Hope fur- nace. Here, many of the cannon belonging to the navy of the Uni- ted States were cast. There are also several nail factories, where considerable business is carried on. In some sections of the county, large quantities of lime are manu- factured, which are sent abroad for a market. There is also an exten- sive marble factory in Cumberland, where large quantities of marble
are manufactured for various uses, which are sent to Providence, Bos- ton and other places for a market. The marble is obtained from the lime rock quarry in Smithfield. In Cumberland, the boat building bu- siness is carried on extensively. There are 19 shops engaged in the business ; and about 700 boats are built annually.
The woolen manufacture re- ceives some attention, there being 9 woolen factories in the county, and 13 cloth dressing establish- ments, for customers. There are in the county, 58 grain mills and 311 mercantile stores. There are 34 religious Societies of every de- scription, 94 schools, which are provided with houses, 11 social li- braries and 15 incorporated banks.
The population of the county,in 1790, amounted to 24,391; in 1800, to 25,854 ; and in 1810, to 30,769.
PROVIDENCE.
PROVIDENCE,an ancient, po- pulous and . wealthy commercial post township, and semi metropo- lis of the State, is situated in the southeastern section of the county, on the castern border of the State, in north lat. 41º 51', and 71º. 10' west lon., 30 miles north by west of Newport, 42 miles southwest of Boston, and about 70 miles east of! Hartford, at the head of naviga- tion, on the Narragansett or Pro- vidence river.
Providence is bounded on the north by North-Providence, on the east by the Seckonk river, which separates it from the State of Mas- sachusetts, on the south by the Nar- ragansett river and the town of
Cranston, and on the west by John- ston.
Its average length, from east to west, may be about 4 miles, and its mean breadth more than 2 miles, comprising an area of about 9 square miles.
The town is divided into two nearly equal sections, by the Pro- vidence river and cove. The east- ern section is generally elevated ; and the geological structure and soil of a primitive character, the prevailing rocks being granite, and the soil a gravelly loam, considera- bly fertile, and very suitable for horticulture and the objects of hus- bandry, that invite attention in the vicinity of a market town. The
325
PROVIDENCE.
western section presents different geological features, being part ma- rine alluvial, and part light sandy plains.
The waters of the town are abun- dant, and afford many convenien- ces, its eastern border being wash- ed by the Seekonk, and most of its southern border by the Narragan- sett river, and the town intersected by the Providence cove and river, which form a capacious and excel- lent harbour, admitting of vessels of the greatest burthen. There is an extensive cove, which unites the waters of the Wanasquatucket and the Mashasuck, two convenient and interesting mill streams. Besides the great bridge, which unites the two sections, there are two conve- nient bridges across the Seekonk ; one called the India bridge, and the other the Central bridge, in the eastern section of the town.
The fisheries of Providence are chiefly confined to the supplying the home consumption. The river and cove afford a tolerable sup- ply both of fin and shell fish of the different kinds usually taken in the harbours and streams in New-Eng- land.
to Pawcatuck, and thence to Sto- nington. Besides these, there are various other roads, all of which afford great facilities for travelling and intercourse, with an extensive interior country, rich in the resour- ces of agricultural opulence and manufacturing industry.
The navigation and commercial interests of Providence are very important, and have been constant- ly increasing with the growth of the town, from its earliest settle- ment. The natural advantages of this place for commercial pursuits are considerable. But the exten- sive developement of its commer- cial interests, and its steady and growing prosperity, have proceed- ed principally from the enterprise and industry of the inhabitants. There are few towns in the United States where the merchants have been more distinguished for their intelligence, enterprise, industry and perseverance, than those of this town, or where commercial en- terprise and exertions have been attended with more successful re- sults. The idea of commerce has long been associated with that of wealth ; and this may be true, in a local sense, although false, as ap- plicable to a nation. The useful commerce of a nation is limited by the amount of its exports ; and consequently its extent does not depend upon the capital and indus- try which it can command, but up- on the aggregate enterprise and industry which are employed at home. But local advantages for | business, abundant capital, and ex- traordinary commercial enterprise, may produce, for a single town, the most important and beneficial re-
Providence is well accommoda- ted with roads, affording great fa- cilities to intercourse abroad. There is a turnpike road leading to Boston,called the Pawtucket turn- pike ; one leading to Worcester, called the Douglass turnpike ; one to Connecticut, by the way of Gloucester ; one to Hartford, thro' Scituate,and one to Norwich,thro' the same place. There are also good and convenient roads to Bristol, Greenwich and Taunton. A turnpike road is also in con- templation, to lead from this place |sults. And hence Providence exhib-
326
PROVIDENCE.
1
its greatcommercial prosperity, and possesses an aggregate of wealth, which, perhaps, is not surpassed by any town of its size in the Union. Providence carries on a trade with most parts of the world ; but, for some years past, the East-India trade has been the most important and extensive. There is supposed to be about 5000 tons of shipping employed in this trade. Next to this, the most important branches of foreign trade are a trade with the Baltic and north of Europe, and a trade with the island of Cu- ba. There is an active and exten- sive coasting trade carried on with the southern States, connected principally with the cotton busi- ness. There are 5 or 6000 tons of shipping supposed to be employed in this trade. The whole amount of shipping owned in Providence, in 1805, was 14,856 tons; and at the present time (1819) it amounts to 19,000 tons, and is constantly increasing. There are about 10 vessels constantly employed in the exportation of the products of the cotton manufactories in the vicinity of Providence. There are also a great number of packets, which ply constantly between Providence and Newport, Bristol, Warren, and the numerous villages on the shores of the Narragansett.
There are, in Providence, about 40 houses concerned in navigation, 20 wholesale and retail Dry Goods Stores, 10 houses engaged wholly in the sale of domestic Goods, 30 wholesale Grocery Stores, and 140 retail Grocery, Provision & Crock- ery Stores, 11 Druggists' Stores, 10 Jewelry and Watch makers' Stores, 6 Hard-ware Stores, 2 wholesale Crockery Stores, 4
Book Stores, 3 Paper Hanging Stores, 10 Shoe Stores, 6 Hat Stores and 3 Confectionary Shops or Stores.
The commercial interests of Providence are, to a certain ex-, tent, different from those of any other place in the United States ; being connected with, and suppor- ted by the manufacturing interests in its immediate vicinity. The manufacture of cotton, in the neighbourhood of Providence, al- though it did not receive much at- tention, until about fifteen years. since, now forms an important and growing interest, employing a vast capital, developing a new field for enterprise, and new sources of industry. Some idea can be form- ed of the progress of this business," from the fact, that in this short pe- riod, the cotton factories situated in this State, and in the adjoining States of Connecticut and Massa- chusetts, near the borders of this. State, so that the business of all of them is principally transacted in Providence, have multiplied to the astonishing number of more than 100. From this view of the exten- sion which has already been given to the cotton manufacture, it is evident, that if this business can be sustained,and continues to prosper, Providence must become a great depot of manufactures ; and will, at no distant period, maintain the character in the United States that Liverpool does in England. And it is believed, that the success of this manufacture is no longer prob- lematical ; the practical know- ledge which has been acquired, and the improvements which have been made, the results of experi- ence, the high reputation which
321
PROVIDENCE.
the fabrics have acquired, the fa- vourable change which has taken place in the sentiments and habits of our citizens, and the trying vi- cissitudes and depressions which the business has encountered, seem to authorize the belief, that it has survived the crisis, and that it will become a permanent, extensive and important interest, affording both individual and national wealth and independence. The various interests and concerns, connected with the manufacture of cotton, already contribute greatly towards the business of this town. The importation of cotton, the exporta- tion of the manufactures, vending of them at home, transportation, &c. have already become impor- tant and extensive branches of bu- siness. There are 5 Cotton Facto- ries in this town, 2 Bleaching estab- lishments and 3Dye-houses, There are 2 Woolen Factories, 4 Rum Distilleries, 1 Gin Distillery, 1 Pa- per Mill, 1 Grain Mill, 1 Oil Mill, 2 Clothiers' works, 3 Rope walks and 2 Spermaceti works.
There is considerable ship-buil- ding carried on in Providence ; but the most important manufacturing interest, next to that of cotton, is the jewelry business. There are 10 shops or manufactories en- gaged in this business, at most of which, large quantities of goods, of almost every description, in the jewelry line, are manufactured for exportation.
Providence is only a town cor- poration. The most compact part of it is divided into two nearly equal sections, by Providence river, which are connected by a bridge. It is built on about 50 streets, of which, the principal is
Main-street, extending from Con- stitution hill to the lower part of the town. This street has a ser- pentine direction, and runs para !- lel with the river and cove, nearly through the town, in a northerly and southerly direction. An ex- tension of this street, in the lower part of the town, is called Broad- way. On Main-street, stand a number of the public buildings, and a considerable proportion of the stores and offices. This is the most ancient and populous street in the town, and in general is well built, and comprises a number of stately, elegant and durable brick edifices. Market-square extends from this street to the bridge, which connects the two divisions of the town.
Next to Main-street, the two most important streets are Way- bossett and Westminster. The former has a serpentine direction, and is very populous. It branches from Westminster-street, near the bridge, and unites with it at High- street. This is a very active and busy street,possesses great wealth, a dense population, and is the seat of a considerable proportion of the commercial business of the town. Westminster-street extends in a direct line to High-street, is well built and populous, and comprises a number of stores. East Water- street, which has been principally built since the memorable gale, in September 1815, is the seat of ex- tensive commercial business. Be- nefit-street is an elevated and pros- pective situation, to the east of Main-street. There are nun crous other streets, many of which are well built and populous. Exten- sive improvements have been made
1
328
PROVIDENCE.
upon the river, since the Septem- ber gale, in 1815. Many addition- al wharves have been constructed, and existing ones enlarged and re- paired. The general appearance of Providence is that of a growing, wealthy and flourishing commer- cial town, distinguished for its ac- tivity, diversity, and extent of bu- siness.
There are, in Providence, at this time, about 1300 Dwelling- houses, and more than 1000 other buildings. There are about 245 Mercantile establishments of eve- ry description, and 12 Public Inns.
Providence abounds with moni- ed institutions. It possesses 7 Banks, viz. Providence Bank, hav- ing a capital of 422,000 dollars ; Exchange Bank, with a capital of 400.000 dollars ; Roger Williams Bank, with a capital of 150,000 dollars ; Union Bank, with a capi- tal of 250,000 dollars ; Merchants' Bank, having a capital of 300,000 dollars ; Eagle Bank, with a capi- tal of 100,000 dollars, and a branch of the United States Bank.
There are 6 Insurance Compa- nies ; Washington Insurance Com- pany, having a capital of 132,000 dollars ; Peace Insurance Compa- ny, capital 70,000 dollars ; Union Insurance Company, Eagle Insur- ance Company, capital 45,000 dol- lars ; Columbian Fire Insurance Company, capital 100,000 dollars ; and Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany. There are 15 Auctioneers and 1 Exchange-office.
There are, in Providence, 4 Printing-offices, 3 Newspaper es- tablishments, 1 Public Library with a reading room connected with it, 5 Public Schools, which are well supported, and comprise usually
about 1000 scholars. These schools are under judicious regulations, provided with good instructors, and, in general, well conducted, as primary schools. Besides these, there are a number of good pri- vate schools, for the instruction of both sexes,and some for the higher branches of learning. There is a charity school for people of colour, which is well attend- ed.
Of the more important institu- tions of learning, there are 2 Aca- demies, which are respectable and flourishing seminaries, and 1 Uni- versity. An Academy also has recently been established by the Society of Friends. It is accom- modated with a neat and commo- dious building, provided with good instructors, and is said to be very flourishing. Brown University, one of the most flourishing and re- spectable institutions in the Uni- ted States, is located in this town. The College edifice is situated in Prospect-street, and has a very el- evated and prospective site. It is a brick structure of 150 feet by 46, is four stories high, has 48 rooms for students, and eight large rooms for public uses. This insti- tution was originally established at. Warren, in 1764, and was remov- ed to Providence in 1770. The present name of this institution was bestowed upon it, as a mark of respect to its principal benefac- tor. The President and majority of the Trustees are required to be of the Baptist denomination. The College authority consists of the President, Professors and Tutors. There are eight professorships ; one of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, one of Law, one of
390
PROVIDENCE.
Moral Philosophy and Metaphys- ics, one of Oratory and Belles-let- tres, one of Anatomy and Surgery, one of Materia Medica and Bota- ny, one of the theory and practice of Physic, and one of Chemistry. There are three Tutors. There is a valuable library belonging to the institution, of about 4000 vo- lumes ; in addition to which, a do- nation has recently been made by the late Rev. William Richards, of Lynn, in England, of 1200 vo- lumes. The philosophical appa- ratus is extensive and complete. The number of students at the present time (1819) is about 126. There is a Grammar School con- nected with this institution, which Comprises about 30 students.
There are, in Providence, 8 Re- ligious Societies ; 3 of Congrega- tionalists, 2 of Baptists, 1 of Epis- copalians, 1 of Friends, and 1 of Methodists. These several Socie- ties are accommodated with hous- es for public worship, some of which are stately and elegant. The first Congregational church is a spacious stone edifice, constructed and finished in a style of great taste and elegance, and is a fine specimen of the arts. It stands on Benefit-street, and has an interest- ing and prospective situation. The first Baptist church, situated in Main-street, is a stately and superb edifice, very spacious ; being about 80 feet square. The Episcopal church, situated also upon Main- street, is a large and elegant stone structure. Besides the churches, the public buildings consist of a Court house, Market house, Town house, a Theatre, a Gaol and Hos- pital.
The government of the town of Providence is vested in a Board, called the Town Council, consist- ing, usually, of five members, who are chosen annually by the peo- ple in their primary assemblies. One of the members officiates as president of the council. This town council possesses extensive and various powers ; the police or internal concerns of the town be- ing entirely entrusted to them. They have the care and direction of the town poor, or paupers, and the various concerns of the town. The annual expenditures of the town are about $25,000, inclusive of some appropriations for public improvements. The ordinary dis- bursements are principally for the maintenance of the town paupers, the support of the public schools, and maintaining and superintend- ing the internal police of the town. The revenue is derived from direct taxes, licenses to retailers, and some other sources of indirect re- venue.
History .- Providence was first settled in 1636, by that distinguish- ed advocate of religious liberty, Roger Williams, and four asso- ciates. Mr. Williams was banish- ed for heresy, by the government of the colony of Massachusetts, and was obliged to leave his family and connections in Salem, during the inclement season of winter, and seek an asylum in the wilderness, and among savages. He accord- ingly retired to Providence, then a frightful wilderness, and the abode of wild beasts and savages ; who, however, were more humane than his persecutors, and received him with kindness and hospitality.
42
330
BIOGRAPHY.
He purchased of the Indians a tract of land, and laid the foundation of the present town of Providence, which he appropriately named, re- garding his preservation as the re- sult of a providential interposition. The infant colony soon began to flourish, and exhibited great in- crease of numbers, which was in some measure the effect of the mistaken spirit of religious intole- rance, which prevailed in the Mas- sachusetts colony. Almost with the very commencement of the co- lony, very liberal and ample pro- visions were made for the security of religious liberty and the rights of conscience ; so that the seeds of the principles of religious liber- ty, having been thus early implant- ed, have taken deep root, and pro- duced, in each succeeding age, the salutary fruits of charity, peace, harmony, and a spirit of toleration, in matters of religion. The name of Roger Williams will be enrolled among the most early and distin- guished founders of religious lib- crty. Mr. Williams became a Bap- tist, a short time after the com- mencement of the settlement of Providence, and was the principal founder of the first Baptist church. Providence suffered considerably in the Indian war of 1675, but has experienced few extraordinary vi- cissitudes or calamities, with the exception of the memorable gale, which occurred in Sep. 1815. This gale will long be remembered, as one of the most extraordinary and calamitous that was ever witnessed in New-England. It occurred on Saturday the 23d of September. A most furious storm commenced in the morning, the wind being in a southeasterly direction. Be-
tween 8 and 9 o'clock, the tide rose 12 feet higher than the usual spring tides ; and, overflowing the usual barriers, the water rushed in- to the town, spreading devastation and ruin in every direction. The vessels were principally forced from their moorings, and driven with irresistible fury into the streets, or stranded at the upper end of the cove. The great bridge connecting the two sections of the town was swept away, and most of the wharves were destroyed. The water was precipitated with asto- nishing velocity and force, into the centre of the town, overturning stores, ware-houses, dwelling-hou- ses and other buildings, sweeping their contents into the streets or the great cove. One church was entirely demolished. The whole town presented a scene of devasta- tion and ruin; vessels, buildings, furniture and merchandize being thrown together in confusion and disorder ; the expectations of youth, the reliance of age, and the industry of years, being, in some instances, swept away in a moment-a scene, solemn and im- pressive, affording the most con- spicuous example of the weakness and impotence of man, and of his dependence upon " him who rides upon the wind, and directs the storm." The loss sustained by individuals was estimated at near- ly a million and a half of dollars. Biography. The Hon. Stephen Hopkins, a distinguished patriot and statesman, was a native of that part of Providence which now forms the town of Scituate. He was born in March 1707. In his youth, he disclosed high promise of talents, and soon became es-
331
BIOGRAPHY.
teemed for his growing worth, his early virtues, and his regular and useful life. At an early period, he was appointed a Justice of the peace, was employed extensively in the business of surveying lands, and was appointed to various oth- er offices, some of which were re- sponsible and important ; and he discharged the duties of all, with great ability and faithfulness, and · with equal advantage to his own reputation and the public interest. In 1754, he was appointed a mem- ber of the board of commissioners, which assembled at Albany, to di- gest and concert a plan of union for the colonies. Shortly after this, he was chosen Chief Justice of the Superior Court of the colo- ny of Rhode-Island ; and in 1755, he was elevated to the office of chief magistrate of the colony, and continued in this dignified and im- portant station about eight years, but not in succession. He was also for several years chancellor of the College. At the commencement of the difficulties between the co- lonies and Great Britain, Gov. Hopkins took an early, active and decided part in favour of the for- mer. He wrote a pamphlet, in support of the rights and claims of the colonies, called " the Rights of the Colonies examined," which was published by order of the Ge- neral Assembly. He was a mem- ber of the immortal Congress of '76, which declared these States, (then colonies) to be "free, sove- reign and independent ;" and his signature is attached to this sub- lime and important instrument, which has no example in the ar- chives of nations.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.