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 42
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There are few subjects of statis- tical or local detail in this town ; being situated in the vicinity of a large commercial town, most of the mercantile, mechanical and professional business is transacted at Newport.
Middletown is accommodated with two good roads, both leading from Newport to the upper end of the island.
There is one Religious Society in this town, and five Schools.
The population, in 1810, was 976; and there are about 160 Dwelling-houses, 2 companies of Militia, and 115 Electors. Mid- dletown sends two representatives to the General Assembly.
The town was incorporated in 1743.
NEW-SHOREHAM.
NEW-SHOREHAM, a town- ship in the county of Newport, consists of the island of Block-Isl- and. This island lies in the open sea, 15 miles S. S. W. of Point-Ju- dith, and about 12 miles southerly of the nearest part of the conti- nent. It extends north and south
about eight miles, and is from two to four in breadth. A chain of large ponds extends from the north end to nearly the centre. These, with several separate and smaller ones, compose about one seventh part of the island. The land, in general, is high, and in some parts
358
PORTSMOUTH.
very uneven, being diversified with abrupt hills and narrow dales.
The soil is various-sandy, loamy and gravelly. Its agricul- tural productions are corn, barley and potatoes. It is no longer " fa- mous for its cattle, and sheep, and butter and cheese,"' as formerly ; the land being more generally con- verted from pasturage to tillage. It is entirely destitute of forests. Considerable quantities of peat are produced, which is the only fuel. The stones are granite in detached nodules, none of very large size. There being no nucle- us or rocky foundation, the land is constantly washing away by the surges of the ocean. In process of time, the island must totally disappear, and its present site con- stitue a shoal, where the tenants of the waters will feed, and fishermen
resort. ''There is no ship harbour ; the boats are obliged to be haul- ed on shore in bad weather. In the season of fishing, 33 boats, from 14 to 30 feet keel, and about 190 men, are employed in taking cod and mackerel. It contains 128 Dwelling-houses ; and at the last census there were 722 inhabitants, 140 of which are freemen or voters. It pays the hundred and nineteenth part of the State taxes, and sends two representatives to the General Assembly. There is one company of Militia, organized by law, but it is never called upon to do military duty. There is one Meeting-house and one Religious Society of the Baptist order. There are two Windmills and four retail Stores. Its aboriginal name was Manisses. It was settled in 1661, and incor- porated in October, 1672.
PORTSMOUTH.
PORTSMOUTH is a post town- ship, situated upon the northern section of Rhode-Island ; bounded on the north by Mount Hope bay, on the east by the Seconnet or cast passage, on the south and southwest hy Middletown, and on the west by the Narragansett bay.
The length of the township,from northeast to southwest, is about 8 miles, and it has a mean breadth of more than 2 miles, comprising about 17 square miles.
The surface is generally eleva- ted and prospective,affording plea- sant and interesting landscapes. The geological structure is similar to that of the rest of the island ; the prevailing rocks being schistus or slate. The internal structure
comprises extensive strata of min- eral coal, which are supposed to be four miles in extent. Two pits have been opened, and considera- ble quantities have been raised. The quality of the coal is suppos- ed to be improving, as the mine is extended ; and it is believed, that it will eventually be a source of great profit, and of extensive pub- lic utility.
The soil is various in different sections of the island. There are some tracts of shistic gravel, and some of argillaceous loam. In ge- neral, it is very productive, and well adapted to grass and a grain culture.
The lands are mostly in a state of cultivation, the forests being
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TIVERTON.
359
very limited, and sustaining a high price. The leading objects of hus- bandry are the dairy business, and the raising of grain; of which, bar- ley and Indian corn are the prin- cipal. The raising of sheep, which formerly received much attention, has for some years past been more neglected. The soil and climate are favourable for fruit, and the orchards are extensive and valua- ble.
From the maritime situation of this town, being surrounded by wa- ter upon almost every side, its fish- eries are extensive and valuable, affording employment to conside- rable industry.
, The navigation business is in- considerable. There are, howev- er, a few coasting vessels owned in the town.
Its mechanical and manufactur- ing interests, likewise, are not very important. There are 2 Woolen Factories, 1 Cotton Factory, 8 Grain Mills and 2 Clothiers' works.
There are, in the town, 4 Mer-
cantile Stores, 2 Religious Socie- ties and Churches, 7 Schools and 1 Social Library.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1795; and there are about 250 Dwelling houses, 220 Electors, and 2 companies of Mi- litia. This town sends four repre- sentatives to the General Assem- bly.
Prudence, and several other small islands, are attached to this town. Prudence Island is situated in Narragansett bay, opposite the northern section of Portsmouth. This island is about 6 miles in length, and has a mean breadth of about three-fourths of a mile, com -: prising about four square miles. The soil is excellent, affording abundant crops both of grass and grain. The land is principally owned in Providence. There are, upon this island, about 17 families.
Portsmouth was one of the ori- ginal towns contained in the char- ter of the State of Rhode-Island, granted by Charles II. in 1663.
TIVERTON.
TIVERTON is a post town, the most extensive in the county, situ- ated in the southeastern section of the State, 24 miles southeast of Providence, and about 13 north- east of Newport; bounded on the north and east by the State of Massachusetts, on the south by Lit- tle-Compton, and on the west by the eastern passage of the Nar- ragansett bay and Mount Hope bay.
The township is more than eight miles in length, from north to south,and about 5 miles in breadth,
from east to west, comprising 42 square miles.
The surface is generally diver- sified with hill and dale ; but there are some sections that are rough and rocky. The prevailing geo- logical structure is granitic. The soil is somewhat various, corres- ponding with the geological char- acter, but is principally a gravelly . loam, and is considerably fertile both for grass and grain.
The forests, in some sections of the town, are extensive and valua- ble, the prevailing timber being
360
. TIVERTON.
oak, hickory and some other deci- duous trees, and is of an excellent quality, especially for ship timber.
The agricultural productions of the town are such as are common to this region, consisting of barley, Indian corn, hay, and the products of the grazing and dairy business.
The waters of the town are abundant and valuable, affording great conveniences, having an ex- tensive coast, bordering on the east passage of the Narragansett and Mount Hope bay, affording safe and navigable waters for vessels of the largest size. It is supposed, that the waters of this town afford superior advantages for the naval depot which is contemplated to be established by the government of the United States, in Narragansett bay. Besides the navigable wa- ters, there are several considera- ble and·valuable ponds, which are well stored with fish.
There is an extensive and con- venient stone bridge, which unites this town with Rhode Island. This bridge is a solid and durable structure, nearly 1000 feet in length, and provided with a draw, which prevents its being an ob- struction to navigation. This bridge sustained considerable da- mage from the memorable Sep- tember galc, but has since been repaired.
The fisheries of the town are extensive and valuable, affording employment to considerable in- dustry, which in general is pro- ductive of handsome profit.
The commercial interests of this town are considerably important ; there being usually 20 vessels ei- ther owned or employed here, and a considerable proportion of the population is engaged in seafaring pursuits. Ship building is occa- sionally carried on.
The manufacturing business al- so receives some attention. There are 2 Cotton Factories, 2 Cloth- iers' works and 6 Grain Mills.
There are, in the town, 8 Mer- cantile Stores of every description, 7 or 8 Religious Societies, which are generally accommodated with houses for religious worship, and 11 Schools.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2837; and there are about 400 Dwelling houses, 4 com- panies of Militia and about 340 Freemen or Electors.
There are two small villages in the town, one of which is at the bridge or Howland's ferry. This town sends two representatives to the General Assembly.
Tiverton originally belonged to Massachusetts, and was not an- nexed to Rhode-Island until 1746.
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BRISTOL
COUNTY.
BRISTOL, an inconsiderable commercial county, is delightfully situated on the peninsula, between Mount Hope bay and the upper waters of the Narragansett bay ; bounded northwesterly and north- easterly by Massachusetts, south- easterly by Mount Hope bay, and southwesterly by Narragansett bay.
This county possesses but small territorial limits, but is populous. and wealthy. Its mean length, from northeast to southwest, is more than 8 miles, and its mean breadth, inclusive of rivers and in- lets, may be about 3 miles, com- prising an area of nearly 25 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the towns in the county ; their situation, with relation to Bristol, the seat of justice ; population, according to the last cen- sus ; dwelling-houses ; religious societies ; incorporated banks, and post-offices.
Towns. Post- Popu- Dwelling- Religious Banks. Dist. from offices. lation. houses. societies.
Bristol.
Bristol. 1 2693
450
4
5
Barrington. 1
604
100
1
0 7 m. N.
Warren.
1 1775
230
2
1 4 m. N.
This county comprises a very interesting tract of country, and has a local situation, which is al- most unrivalled ; its southeastern border being washed by Mount Hope bay, and its southwestern by the Narragansett bay, two beau- tiful bodies of water.
of the distinguished and heroic In- dian chief, Philip. In the north- ern section of the county there is a level tract of considerable extent.
The geological structure is ge- nerally primitive, and the prevail- ing strata of rocks are granite. But the northern section of the county, being of a smooth and le- vel surface, discloses indications of a different geological structure. The soil is generally a deep, rich, gravelly loam, interspersed, in the northern section, by tracts of sandy
The surface is in general mode- rately uneven, exhibiting a pleas- ant and interesting diversity ; but in the southeastern section there is a beautiful eminence of consi- derable altitude, called Mount Hope,celebrated in the early histo- ry of New-England, being the seat Iloam, and some of siliceous sand.
46
362
BRISTOL COUNTY.
The natural growth of forest trees was of the deciduous spe- cies ; but there are no considera- ble forests at this time.
The leading agricultural inter- csts consist of the grazing business, and the culture of barley, Indian corn and rye. Horticulture re- ceives great attention, particularly in Bristol, where onions constitute a staple commodity, and form an important article for exportation.
The waters of this county are unrivalled for their beauty and na- vigable advantages. Every town is accommodated with navigable waters and convenient harbours. Its interior waters do not afford many sites for hydraulic works.
The fishing business is not pur- sued very extensively, being con- fined principally to supplying the home consumption.
The commercial and navigation business of this county constitute its most important interest.' There are probably few sections of our country, which have been more distinguished for commercial en- terprise, or where its results have been more important. A great proportion of the population is en- gaged in sea-faring pursuits ; and the people are distinguished for their bold and adventurous com- mercial spirit, and for their hardy and persevering habits in this de- partment of industry. It is believ- ed, that there is no section of the United States, of equal population, which possesses as much shipping that is engaged in foreign trade as this county ; and there is probably no other where this business is
pursued with so much ardour and success. The amount of shipping owned here in 1819, was 9,093 tons. The trade of this county is not confined to any particular di- rection, but is extended to various parts of the world. An extensive and important trade is carried on with the island of Cuba, and a coasting trade of considerable ex- tent with the southern States and elsewhere.
The manufacturing interests of the county are very inconsidera- ble ; there being few streams af- fording facilities for mechanical or manufacturing operations. There is, however, considerable mecha- nical industry of different descrip- tions ; and ship building has at some periods received great atten-, tion. There being little done in any department of manufacturing, there are, in this county, few local interests requiring description, and few objects of statistical detail. There are, in the county, 3 Grain Mills, 3 Distilleries, about 67 mer- cantile establishments of every de- scription, and five incorporated Banks ; and a charter has been granted for another.
There are 7 Religious Societies, two Academies, four or five public Schools, and about twelve private Schools.
The population of the county, in 1790, was 3211 ; in 1800, 3801 ; and in 1810, 5072.
This county originally belonged to the colony of Massachusetts, and was attached to the State of Rhode-Island in 1746.
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363
BRISTOL.
BRISTOL is an ancient, weal- thy commercial post township, port of entry, and seat of justice of the county, situated on the eastern shore of the Narragansett, adjoin- - ing the waters of Mount Hope bay, in north lat. 41°40'; bounded on the north by. Warren, on the east, part- ly by Massachusetts, and in part by Mount Hope bay, and on the south and west by the Narragansett bay. The average length of the town- ship, from north to south, is more than five miles, and its mean breadth more than two miles, com- prising an area of about twelve square miles.
This township is a very interest- ing tract of country, having a char- ming situation, and washed, upon its southern and western borders, by the most beautiful sheets of wa- ter in the world. Its surface, with the exception of Mount Hope, a considerable eminence in the southeast section of the town, is uneven, exhibiting a pleasant di- versity. Some sections however are somewhat rocky.
Mount Hope is a beautiful emi- nence,affording an interesting view of the bay to which it gives name, and of the waters and islands of the Narragansett, and all their varie- gated scenery. It is also renown- ed in the annals of the early wars. with the natives, as the seat of the celebrated Indian sachem Philip.
The geological structure of the township is primitive, the rocks be- ing principally granitic. The soil is a deep, gravelly loam, very fer- tile and productive.
The agricultural interests are flourishing, the lands being in a high state of cultivation. Among the objects of husbandry, the culti-
vation of onions receives great at -: tention, large quantities being an- nually raised for exportation ; and it is believed, that the quantity of this article raised here, exceeds that of any other town in the Uni- ted States, with the exception of Wethersfield, in Connecticut.
The waters of Bristol are unrivalled, for their beauty, or the navigable advantages which they afford. Bristol bay or har- bour lies in form of a basin-is ca- pacious and safe-of easy access --- and affords sufficient depth of wa- ter for vessels of the largest size.
The fisheries of this town afford a plentiful supply for the inhabit- ants, and some articles for export- ation.
Commerce is the leading busi- ness of this town, and its commer- cial interests hold the first rank. There is probably no town in the Union, of the same population, possessing a more extensive, ac- tive or profitable commerce. The merchants of Bristol are distin- guished for the boldness of their commercial enterprise, the extent of their capital, and their perse- vering industry. When it is con- sidered, that this place has no lo- cal advantages for interior trade, that it has little or no back coun- try, and has no other important sources of wealth but foreign com- merce, it affords the most striking example of the important results of commercial enterprise and in- dustry ; and that the want of supe- rior local advantages interposes no insuperable barrier to the success- ful operation of these causes. The trade of this town is carried on with various parts of the world ; but the most important branch of
364
BRISTOL.
it, perhaps, is that to the island of Cuba, where many of the mer- chants have sugar and coffee plan- tations. The amount of the arti- cle of molasses, imported in 1818, was 1,013,820 gallons. In ad- dition to the trade with the isl- and of Cuba, there is a profitable and considerably extensive trade carried on with the Baltic, the Me- diterranean, and various other pla- ces. There is also an extensive coasting trade maintained with the southern and middle States. The amount of shipping owned in Bris- tol district, in 1819, was 9093 tons.
The manufacturing and mecha- nical industry of the town is incon- siderable, with the exception of what is employed in ship building, which at some periods has been carried on to considerable extent, and other objects connected with the navigation business. The most important manufacture is the dis- tillation of spirits, there being two extensive rum distilleries.
The population of Bristol, in 1810, was 2693. It has greatly improved since; and there are about 450, Dwelling houses, 300 Electors or Freemen, and 4 Com- panies of Militia.
There are, in the town, 35 mer- cantile Stores of every description, 21 Ware-houses, many of which are very extensive, 3 Grain Mills and 2 Rope-walks. There are four Religious Societies.
The compact part of the town of Bristol is built upon a beautiful declivity, fronting the bay or har- bour, and facing to the west. It contains more than 300 dwelling- houses, and 13 streets, three of which are the principal, running
north and south. These are in- tersected at right angles by the others, which run east and west. Many of the streets are well built.
The houses are in general neat and handsome buildings ; and there are some superb and splendid edi- fices, finished in superior style and elegance. In a central part of the town is a spacious public square.
There are four Churches ; one for Congregationalists, one for Episcopalians, one for Baptists and one for Methodists, a Court-house, where the legislature occasionally holds its sessions, an Academy and Market-house. There are one pub- lic School, one charity School, and six private Schools. There are four incorporated Banks, and a charter has been granted for the fifth, and a Marine Insurance Com- pany with a respectable capital. About one mile east of the town, on a prospective and beautiful emi- nence, is the country seat of James De Wolf Esq. which, for elegance of style, neatness, the general splendour of its appearance, and the beauty and expensiveness of the various improvements, will rank among the first in our country. Bristol sends two representatives to the General Assembly.
Bristol, for a long time after its settlement, formed a part of the colony of Massachusetts, and was under its jurisdiction, until the set- tlement of the boundary line in 1746, when it was annexed to Rhode-Island. Bristol suffered se- verelyduring therevolutionarywar, part of the town being burnt by the British. It also suffered con- siderably by the memorable Sep- tember gale, in 1815.
365
WARREN.
BARRINGTON.
BARRINGTON, a small agri- cultural post township, is situated in the northern section of the coun- ty, 7 miles from Providence ; bounded on the northwest . and northeast by the State of Massa- chusetts, on the southeast by War- ren, and on the southwest by the Narragansett river. The average length of the township may be about 3 miles, with a mean breadth of nearly the same, comprising an area of about 8 square miles. The surface is generally level, and the soil a light, but fertile sandy loam, well adapted to a grain culture ; rye, Indian corn and barley being cultivated with success. Sea weed is used extensively as a manure, and has been of great utility in en- riching the land. 'The agricultu- ral interests are considerably flou- rishing, and the various objects of husbandry constitute the principal occupation of the inhabitants.
The town is well watered by an inlet of the Warren, & by Palmer's river, and its southwestern borders are washed by the waters of the Narragansett. There is a conveni- ent toll bridge, connecting this town with Warren. The waters of the Narragansett afford a plentiful sup- ply of fin and shell fish for home consumption.
The manufacturing and me-
chanical industry of the town is in- considerable; some attention, how- ever, is paid to the manufacture of salt; there being one establish- ment that manufactures 1200 bush- els annually.
The population of Barrington, in 1810, was 604; and there are nearly 100 dwelling houses, one religious Society and Church, two public Schools, one company of Militia, 70 or 80 Electors, and two Mercantile Stores.
In the eastern part of this town, there is a cove of considerable ex- tent ; which, from the remains of timber, is supposed to have been a pine and cedar forest, and to have been burnt by the Indians at an ancient period, long before the first settlement of this country. The adjoining waters having bro- ken over their usual barriers, this tract became immersed, and now is covered with water of conside- rable depth. Cedar and pine tim- ber are obtained from the bottom of the cove, for fencing and fuel.
This town sends two represen- tatives to the General Assembly.
Barrington originally belonged to the State of Massachusetts, and was attached to the State of Rhode- Island in 1746, and was incorpora- ted as a town in 1771.
WARREN.
WARREN, a small but pleasant | | Bristol. Its extent is about two & populous post township, is loca- | miles north and south, and more than two east and west, compri- sing an area of more than four square miles. ted upon the southeast side of War- ren river, 11 miles southeast of Providence, & 19 miles from New- port ; bounded west and north by Palmer's river, east by the State of Massachusetts, and south by
This is a pleasant and interesting. township, having a beautiful situa- tion. The surface is undulating,
366
WARREN.
affording very delightful land- scapes. The soil is a rich mould, very fertile and productive. The various objects of husbandry, com- mon to this district, are attended to; Indian corn, rye, barley, oats and potatoes, are cultivated with success. Horticulture also re- ceives great attention ; among the objects of which, the cultivation of onions is the most important. All kinds of culinary vegetables are raised in abundance. Fruit is also an object of general attention, and the town affords a great variety.
This town, for one of its size, maintains considerable commerce, and is a place of activity and busi- ness, and of considerable wealth. The trade is various; and, as it respects its direction and charac- ter, corresponds with that of other places upon the waters of the Nar- ragansett. There are 30 vessels owned here, comprising about 3000 tons of shipping.
The manufacturing and me- chanical business of the town is in- considerable, with the exception of ship building, which has occasion- ally been carried on to considera- ble extent. There are two Dis- tilleries, one of rum and one of gin, and three Grain Mills, two of which are wind mills, and one a tide mill.
The village, or compact part of the town, is built upon an interest- ing site, upon the southeast side of Warren river, having a moderate elevation and facing the harbour, which is safe and com- modious, and has sufficient depth of water for vessels of 300 tons. There are 12 wharves, upon all of which there are store houses. There are two principal streets, intersected by several cross streets. There are in the village 180 Dwel- ling houses, and 40 other buildings, about 30 Mercantile Stores of eve- ry description, 2 Churches, an Aca- demy, one public and several pri- vate Schools, one Social Library, one incorporated Bank and one Marine insurance office. There are two Religious Societies, one of Baptists and one of Methodists.
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