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 41
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
Daniel Mowry Esq. of this town, late a member of Congress, pos- sessed superior talents, and was an ornament to his profession. But he was not more distinguished for his talents than for his benevolent. and friendly disposition, and for his eminently useful life.
·
NEWPORT
-
COUNTY.
NEWPORT is a maritime com- mercial county, situated in the southeastern section of the State, and is composed principally of de- tached and insulated sections, be- ing separated by the waters of Nar-
ragansett bay. The whole terri- torial limits of the county, exclu- sive of the waters intervening be- tween its different divisions, com- prise about 136 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the number of towns in the county ; their situation, with relation to Newport; their population, according to the census of 1810; number of dwelling houses; religious societies, schools ; banks, and post-offices.
Towns.
P. O.
Pop. 7097
D. H. R. S. Sch. Ban. Dist. from
Newport.
1
1100
10
29
5 Newport.
Jamestown.
0
564
70
1
2
0 3 m. W.
Little-Compton.
0
1553
230
2
7
0 8 m. N. E.
Middletown.
0
976
160
1
5
0 3 m. N. E.
New-Shoreham.
0
722
128
1
0
0 24 mS.S.W.
Portsmouth.
1
1795
250
2
7
0 8 m. N. E.
Tiverton.
1
2837
400
7
11 0 13 m. N. E.
The most important and exten- sive section or division of this coun- ty is Rhode-Island, from which the State takes its name. This delightful and interesting island is situated in the Narragansett bay, near its southern extremity and connexion with the sea. The island is about 15 miles in length, from northeast to southwest, and has a mean breadth of about 2 and a half miles, comprising about 37 square miles. The surface of the island presents a most interesting diversity, consisting of moderate eminences and gentle declivities, which afford the most charming and beautiful landscapes.
The geological structure of the island is of the character denomi- nated transition ; and the prevail- ing strata of rocks are schistus or slate ; but there are some calca- reous strata, and the surface exhi- bits various other rocks and stones.
In these calcareous strata, some specimens of very rich and elc- gant serpentine marble have been discovered; and that valuable min- eral, fossil coal, is supposed to ex- ist in great abundance. Two mines or pits have been opened, and con- siderable quantities of coal obtain- ed. The quality of it is thought to be improving. It has been expor- ted to New-York and elsewhere.
350
NEWPORT COUNTY.
The soil is very rich and pro- ductive, being an admixture of shistic gravelly loam, with a ve- getable mould. It is well adapt- ed both to a grain and a grass cul- ture, affording excellent crops of Indian corn, barley and grass. The cultivation of barley, which has been recently introduced, is found to be a great improvement upon the former mode of husbandry, and is beginning to receive gene- ral attention, being a very profita- ble crop, and at the same time at- tended with little exhaustion to the soil.
The next most important divis- ion of the county is the continent- al section, comprising the towns of Tiverton & Little-Compton. This
The fishing business, with the exception of that of Block-Island, which is very important, is chiefly is the most extensive section, and directed to supply the home con- is separated from Rhode-Island by sumption. That of the latter is car- ried on to a great extent, and with great success. Large quantities of fish are taken, which form an impor- tant article of exportation. The fishing business in this county is capable of great extension, and might be made a capacious field for enterprise and industry, and a source of ample profit. the Seconnet river or passage. A part of this section discloses simi- lar geological features to Newport ; but the northern section is a pri- mitive granitic district,being rough and broken, unsuitable for cultiva- tion, and principally appropriated to forests, which are extensive and valuable. Connanicut, Prudence and Block islands constitute the remainder of the county, which, with the exception of the latter, have a similar geological character to Rhode-Island.
From the local situation of this county, being surrounded by navi- gable waters, which intersect it in various directions, forming numer- ous insulated divisions, it unites superior advantages for navigation, commerce and the fishing business. And hence, these have been lead- ing interests with the people of this county, from its earliest settle- ment. Although neither commerce
nor the fishing business has been pursued to that extent, or acquir- ed that importance, which, from local advantages, might have been expected ; yet, considering the vi- cissitudes which this county has experienced, both of thesc inter- ests are very respectable. The ma- ritime commercial interests con- sist principally of a trade to the island of Cuba, and a coasting trade, mostly directed to the sou- thern States. There is, however, some trade to the Baltic and the north of Europe. The amount of shipping at this time is about 10,950 tons.
The agricultural interests of this county are respectable. The lead- ing pursuits of husbandry hereto- fore have been directed to the dai- ry business, and the raising of sheep ; but for some time past these interests have been rather upon the decline, and the cultiva- tion of grain has received more attention, particularly barley, the cultivation of which is found to be a very profitable and advan- tageous crop. Barley, it is believ- ed, is cultivated more extensively here than in any other section of the Union. Indian corn also is rais-
351
NEWPORT.
ed in considerable quantities and to | good advantage. Fruit likewise receives considerable attention.
The manufacturing interests of the county, although they will not sustain a comparison with those of some other sections of the State, are however very considerable for the advantages which it possesses ; there being no rivers of any ex- tent, and consequently few sites for hydraulic works. The most im- portant branch of manufacturing business is the manufacture of rum, which is carried on conside- rably extensively at Newport. There are seven distilleries enga- ged in the business at that place. The manufacture of cordage is
carried on to a considerable ex- tent at Newport, and ship-building also receives some attention, par- ticularly of that description of ves- sels intended for packets. Boat building is likewise attended to.
There are in the county three Cotton Factories, two Woolen Fac- tories, one Duck Factory, four Clothiers' works and 28 Grain Mills, a large proportion of which are Wind Mills. There are about 160 Mercantile Stores of èvery de- scription, 24 Religious Societies, about 61 Schools, 5 Social Libra- ries and 5 incorporated Banks.
The population of the county, in 1790, was 14,300; in 1800, 14,845 ; and in 1810, 16,294.
NEWPORT.
NEWPORT, an ancient com- mercial posttown, and semi-metro- polis of the State, is situated in the southwestsection of Rhode-Island ; 30 miles south by east of Provi- dence, and 75 miles southwest from Boston. The township lies in an irregular, and somewhat of a semicircular form, and may be about 6 miles in length upon an average estimation, and more than a mile in breadth, comprising about & square miles.
The surface of the town is plea- santly diversified, presenting a suc- cession of beautiful and prospec- tive eminences, and gentle and in- teresting declivities. Its gelogo- cal structure, and the prevailing strata of rocks are of the transition character, and consist principally of schistus or slate, interspersed with which there is some granite ; limestone also abounds in some
sections, and in the calcareous rocks serpentine marble has been found, of a very rich and elegant quality.
The soil is a shistic gravelly loam, generally deep and rich, and productive both in grass and grain. It is also very favourable for fruit, and the various objects of horti- culture. The original forests were of the deciduous species, but there are none now of much extent. The agricultural interests are conside- rably' flourishing. Among the ob- jects of husbandry, the culture of barley, which has been recently introduced, sustains a conspicuous place. This is a profitable crop, and deserves to be encouraged and extended. Indian corn and hay are cultivated with success ; and vegetables and fruit for the New- port market.
The waters of the town, for
352
NEWPORT.
beauty and convenience, are unri-[ valed. The Narragansett bay af- fords, at this place, one of the most excellent harbours in the United States. It is in a semicircular form, and of safe and easy access ; suffici- ciently capacious to contain whole fleets, and has sufficient depth of water for vessels of the largest burthen.
The harbour is defended by Fort Wolcott, erected upon Goat Island. Another fort has been erected, called Fort Adams ; and there was a fort erected during the late war, called Fort Green. These forts are kept in good repair, & are well provided with ordnance, barracks and magazines ; and they are garrisoned with a detachment of United States troops. In addi- tion to these, some works were commenced for the defence of the harbour, some years since, on Rose Island, but have never been completed.
The fisheries of Newport are ve- ry valuable, and a source of sub- sistence, convenience and wealth. There is probably no fish market in the world that is better suppli- ed; that affords a greater variety, orfish of better quality. Nearly six- ty different kinds of eatable fish, comprising almost every species of fin and shell, have been exhibited in Newport market. This great supply of fish is a convenience to all; but is of the greatest advan- tage to the poor, affording them a sure and cheap means of subsist- ence. The fishing business, also, opens an extensive field for indus- try ; but is capable of great exten- sion, and might be rendered an im- important business, and a source of great profit. Few places are
more advantageously situated, or unite more advantages for the fish- ing business, and a spirit of enter- prise and perseverance, directed in this channel, would raise it to an important interest ; affording im- mense wealth to individuals, 'em- ployment to thousands, and con- tributing essentially to the general prosperity. The business, at pre- sent, is chiefly directed to furnish- ing a supply for the market in this town, and the villages on the shores of the Narragansett.
The commercial interests of the town, although they have declined at some periods, are now very res- pectable. Previously to the revo- lutionary war, there were but few towns in the colonies, whose com- merce was more extensive or flourishing than Newport. More than 100 sail of vessels were owned here, at an early period; butthe re- volutionary war destroyed the sources of the trade of this town, and for some time subsequently its commerce continued to decline. Within the last fifteen years, it has experienced various vicissitudes, but it is now considerably revived. At this time (1819) there are 10,951 tons of shipping owned here. The trade of Newport has no particular direction ; it maintains some trade with the East Indies, some with the north of Europe, and conside- rable with the Island of Cuba ; but the most important is a coasting trade with the middle and southern States. The last branch of trade is supposed to be increasing. In addition to the other navigation interests, there are a number of regular packets that ply between this port and New-York, Provi- dence and the numerous villages
1
353
NEWPORT.
and ports upon the shores of the Narragansett.
.
The manufacturing interests of Newport are not very important or extensive; nor can this be a matter of surprise, considering the maritime situation and habits of the place, and the want of advantage- ous sites for manufacturing estab- lishments, which can scarcely be expected upon an island affording only small streams. The most im- portant manufacturing interest is that of domestic spirits, which are made principally from foreign ma- terials. There are 7 rum distille- ries in Newport, at which large quantities of rum are distilled, most of which is sent abroad for a market. There is also one gin distillery ; and the manufacture of cordage receives considerable attention, there being five rope walks. Ship building is carried on to some ex- tent; and boat building likewise receives considerable attention. There are 1 Duck Factory, 4 Tan- neries and 5 Grain Mills.
There are in Newport about 1100 Dwelling houses, 140 Mercan- tile Stores of every description, and numerous Mechanics' shops ; the town being well supplied with mechanical industry. Some branches of mechanical business are carried on to considerable ex- tent, affording more than a supply for home consumption.
There are in Newport 10 Reli- gious Societies, and about 30 Schools for the primary branches of education ; in some of which al- so, the higher branches are taught. These schools are generally well conducted, and contain a great number of scholars. There is one Academy and two Social Libraries.
one of which contains 3000 vol- umes. There is also one public Library, a very ancient establish- ment, which was founded and in- corporated as early as the year 17- 47. It contains about 700 vol- umes, most of which are large and valuable folios. Among this col- lection, is a bible that was printed asearly as 1487; one of the most ancient volumes in the United States. A neat and commodious edifice was erected for the Library, as early as the year 1748.
The compact part of the town of Newport is built upon a beautiful site, being a gentle declivity fa- cing the harbour, in a southwester- ly direction. The principal street is Thames-street, which extends more than a mile in length, from a northwest to a southeasterly di- rection; itis well built, and contains a dense population. The houses on this street have an ancient ap- pearance, but most of them are in good repair. This street is the seat of a large proportion of the commercial business. Next to the Thames, the most important is Broad-street, commencing at the public square, and extending in a northeasterly direction. This is the main road to Boston and Pro- vidence, and is a seat of conside- rable business. Spring-street runs south of the public square, paral- lel with Thames-street. Washing- ton-street extends from the long- wharf across the point. This street has a most beautiful and prospec- tive situation. The public or Washington square is a very hand- some area in front of the State- House. In addition to these, there are numerous other streets most of which are well built, and seats
4.5
354
NEWPORT.
of considerable business. There territorial limits of the United are in Newport ten Churches, and a Jewish synagogue, which is kept in good repair, but is not now used as a house for religious worship. Four of the Churches are for Bap- tists, 2 for Congregationalists, 1 for Episcopalians, 1 for Friends, 1 for Methodists and 1 for Moravi- ans. The other public buildings are a State house, which is an an- cient, but very respectable brick edifice fronting the public square ; the Library building already noti- ced, a Market house constructed of brick, a Theatre and an Alms- house. The town is accommoda- ted with about 30 wharves.
There are in Newport 4 Book- stores, 2 Newspaper establishments and 5 incorporated Banks; the Rhode-Island Bank established in 1795, with a capital of $100,000 ; Newport Bank established in 1803, capital $120,000; Rhode-Island union Bank in 1804, capital $200- 000; New-England commercial Bank, and Merchants Bank. There are two Insurance Companies.
In 1752, a Marine Society was established here, for the relief of distressed widows and orphans, whose husbands and fathers had been mariners, and other individu- als in distressed circumstances.
Previously to the American re- volution, Newport was the fourth commercial town in the colonies, and at one period contained more than 9000 inhabitants. It had the appearance, and sustained the cha- racter of a rich and flourishing commercial city, nearly one hun- dred years since. Its principal streets have been paved for more than 80 years. It is believed, that there is no town within the present
States, that has experienced so many, and so great vicissitudes as Newport. It is now supposed to be increasing in population and business, and is evidently gradually rising from its former decline. Ithas been suggested, that this town was an eligible situation for manufac- tures; but we think not. The local situation of the place, and the mari- time habits of the inhabitants, which are the result of local influ- ence, and are of long standing, seem to interpose a barrier to a manufacturing spirit; and to the di- version of industry from establish- ed occupations, to a channel so es- sentially different; and this opini- on does not rest merely upon argu- ment, but upon experience and the known results of like causes. If we look to Europe, (and who does not look there for examples ?) we shall perceive, that upon the sea board, there are few if any manufacturing towns; her Bir- minghams and Sheffields are in the interior. And as like causes produce like effects every where, it can scarcely be doubted that this will be the case in America. New- port, situated as it is, almost form- ing a part of the domains of the ocean, seems destined to reap its principal harvest from this ele- ment. Its local situation gives it superior advantages for maritime pursuits, either the fishing business or foreign commerce and naviga- tion. The fishing business, here, particularly invites attention, and is capable of great extension. There are many examples in the United States, of bold but judicious enterprise, and persevering indus- try in this branch of business, be-
355
JAMESTOWN.
ing crowned with the most success- ful results ; and it is by no means improbable, that this town, by well directed enterprise in the fishing business, and other maritime and commercial pursuits, may again experience its former prosperity, and attain to that population, wealth and commercial conse- quence and business, to which, by its superior natural advantages, it seems to be destined.
Newport was first settled by William Coddington and his asso- ciates, in 1638. The growth of the town was so rapid for the first hundred years, that in 1738 it con- tained seven worshipping assem- blies ; and there were about 100 sail of vessels owned here.
Newport suffered severely dur- ing the revolutionary contest, and for a long time was occupied by the enemy. It suffered severely also in common with the other towns upon the shores of the Nar- ragansett, in the memorable Sep- tember gale of 1815. Extensive damage was done to the wharves,
stores, and shipping in the har- bour ; and what added greatly to the affliction, several lives were lost.
In this town, there is now stand- ing an ancient stone mill, the erec- tion of which is beyond the date of its earliest records ; but it is sup- posed to have been erected by the first settlers, about 180 years ago. It is an interesting monument of antiquity.
Newport is celebrated for the pleasantness and beauty of its situ- ation, and is equally distinguished for the salubrity of its climate, be- ing considered as one of the heal- thiest towns in the United States. From these circumstances, and from the inviting objects which it affords, from its local and maritime situation, it is, during the summer months, a place of great resort from the southern and middle States, for the purposes of health and pleasure. From the facts here noticed, Newport may be consid- ered as the Montpelier of Ameri- ca. N.lat. 41º 29', W.lon. 71º 17'.
JAMESTOWN.
JAMESTOWN is an insulated township, situated on Connanicut Island, in Narragansett bay, about 3 miles west of Newport, and 30 south of Providence. Jamestown includes the whole of Connanicut Island, and is about 8 miles in length, from north to south, and has a mean breadth, from east to west, of nearly one mile, compris- ing about 8 square miles.
The geological structure and rocks of the island are similar to those of Rhode-Island. The soil
Jis a rich loam, and peculiarly adap- ted to grazing. It is likewise pro- ductive in grain, especially barley and Indian corn. The agricultur- al interests, which occupy almost exclusively the attention of the inhabitants, consist principally in the various objects connected with the grazing business, and the cul- tivation of barley and Indian corn. Considerable attention has been bestowed heretofore upon the rais- ing of sheep, on this island ; but this at present is an object less at-
356
LITTLE-COMPTON.
tended to. The concerns and in- terests of husbandry in general ex- hibit a flourishing aspect, the in- habitants beingindustrious, econo- mical and persevering agricultur- alists.
The town is accommodated with two ferrics, one to Newport and the other to South-Kingston ; and the principal road extends across the island, communicating with these ferries. At the southern extremity of the Island, at a place called Beaver tail, stands a light- house.
The population of the island, at the last census, in 1810, was 504 ; and there are about 60 or 70 Dwelling-houses, 1 Religious Soci- ety and Church, 2 or 3 Schools and School-houses, 50 or 60 Electors, 1 Grain Mill, and 1 company of Militia.
This town sends two representa- tives to the General Assembly.
This island was purchased of the Indians, as early as 1657, and Jamestown was incorporated in 1678,
LITTLE-COMPTON.
LITTLE-COMPTON is a weal- thy maritime and agricultural town- ship, situated in the southeast- ern extremity of the county and State, 30 miles southeast of Provi- dence ; bounded on the north by Ti- verton, on the east by the State of Massachusetts, on the south by the Atlantic ocean, and on the west by the east passage of the Narragan- sett bay. The average length of the township, from north to south, is about 7 miles, and its mean breadth, from east to west, is 4 miles, comprising an area of about 28 square miles.
The form of the southern section of the township is that of a penin- sula, inclining to a point. The sur- face is pleasantly diversified. The soil is a deep loam, rich in agricul- tural resources, and the means of wealth derived from this branch of industry.
The agricultural productions are abundant, and consist of the various articles common to this re- gion. This town is one of the most flourishing agricultural dis- tricts in the State. Barley con-
stitutes a staple production, large quantities of it being raised. Hor- ticulture also receives considera- ble attention, various culinary ve- getables being raised for marketing.
The manufactures of the town are wholly of a domestic charac- ter, which are extensive and im- portant, the inhabitants being dis- tinguished for their habits of indus- try and economy, and their social and moral virtues.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1553; and there are about 230 Dwelling-houses, 225 Freemen or Electors, two compa- nies of Militia and a part of ano- ther company.
There are 2 Religious Societies, one of Congregationalists and one of Friends, 7 Schools and 1 Social Library. There are 4 Mercantile Stores and 6 Grain Mills. This town sends two representatives to the General Assembly.
Little-Compton was settled in 1674, by Capt. Church and his associates. The Indian name was Seconnet.
357
NEW-SHOREHAM.
MIDDLETOWN.
MIDDLETOWN, the central township of Rhode-Island, is situ- ated two miles N. E. from Newport, and about 28 miles southeast from Providence. It is bounded north- west by the Narragansett bay, northeast by Portsmouth, southeast by the east passage of Narragan- sett bay, and southwest by New- port.
The length of the town, from northwest to southeast, is about five miles, and it has a mean breadth of nearly two and a half miles, comprising an area of about 12 square miles.
The surface is undulating and di- versified, affording numerous plea- sant and interesting landscapes. The soil is a rich loam, very pro- ductive, and under a high state of cultivation ; and the lands main- tain a very high estimation.
The forests are inconsiderable, and principally consist of oak and walnut.
The agricultural interests of the town are very flourishing. The leading objects of husbandry are the dairy business, hay, the culture of Indian corn and barley, and the raising of supplies for Newport market. The article of barley, the cultivation of which has been but recently introduced, has be-
come a leading agricultural pro- duction, and probably receives more attention here than in any other part of New-England. The orchards of this town are very va- luable, and are not only a source of convenience, but form a con- siderable important agricultural in- terest. The people of this town are principally agriculturists ; and are distinguished for their habits of industry and economy, and the uniformity, plainness and simplici- ty of their manner of living.
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.