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 44
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Gen. Green possessed a humane and benevolent disposition ; yet he was resolutely severe, when the maintenance of discipline render- ed severity necessary. Among the constellation of heroes and patri- ots, with whom he was associated in the glorious cause of defending the liberties and independence of his country, there was none that displayed more determined firm- ness, and few more prudence and foresight.
As a soldier, Gen. Green will rank among the first of his age. The prominent characteristics of his mind fitted him in a peculiar manner for a military character. To the most determined resolution and the most indefatigable perse- verance, he united an active and comprehensive mind, full of expe- dients, and never disconcerted by difficulties ; and to the most daring courage he united superior milita- ry skill and extensive practical knowledge. Among the many dis- tinguished individuals engaged in the same cause, few acted their part with more credit and honour to themselves or usefulness to their country, than Gen. Green. As
376
WEST-GREENWICH.
his life was devoted to the cause of liberty and his country, his name will rank among the first off
the heroes and patriots of the Re- volution, and be revered by his Icountry to the latest posterity.
WEST-GREENWICH.
WEST-GREENWICH is an| agricultural township, situated in the southwest section of the coun- ty, about 18 miles southwest from Providence ; bounded on the north by Coventry, on the east by East- Greenwich, on the south by Exe- ter, in Washington county, and on the west by the State of Con- necticut. The length of the town- ship, from east to west, is about 12 miles, and its mean breadth about 3 miles, comprising an area of about 36 square miles.
This township possesses a pri- mitive geological character; its surface presents a diversity of hill and dale. There is one conside- rable eminence called Hopkins' hill, which affords an interesting prospect of the surrounding coun- try. The natural and agricultural productions of the town corres-
I pond with those of this region generally.
The waters of the south branch of the Pawtuxet river, have their source in this town ; and the west- ern section is watered by Wood river and its branches.
The contemplated turnpike road from Providence to Pawcatuck, will lead through this town.
The population of East-Green- wich, in 1748, was 766 ; in 1774, 1764; in 1782, 1698; in 1790, 1756 ; in 1800, 1759 ; and in 1810, 1619; there are about 220 Dwell- ing houses, &3 companies of Militia.
West-Greenwich sends two representatives to the General Assembly.
This town originally belonged to East-Greenwich, and was incor- porated as a separate town by its present name, in 1741.
1
WASHINGTON
COUNTY.
WASHINGTON is a maritime county, situated in the southwest- ern section of the State ; bounded on the north by Kent county, on the east by Narragansett bay, on the south by the Atlantic ocean,
and on the west by the State of Connecticut. The average length of the county, from east to west, is about 20 miles, and it has a mean breadth of more than 18 miles,com- prising about 367 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with rela- tion to South-Kingston, the seat of justice ; their population, ac- cording to the census of 1810; number of dwelling-houses ; reli- gious societies ; banks, and post-offices.
Towns. Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious Banks. Dist. from offices. lation. houses. societies.
S. Kingston:
South-Kingston.
1
3560
400
4
1
Exeter.
0
2254
311
1
0
10 m. N. W.
Charlestown.
1
1174
220
1
1
10 m. S. W.
Hopkinton.
1
1774
230
4
0
13 m. W.
North-Kingston.
1
2957
391
5
1 8 m. N. E.
Richmond.
1
1330
230
*
*
7 m. W.
Westerly.
1
1911
250
2
2 20 m. S. W.
The geological character of this county is primitive ; the rocks con- sist of granite and other original formations. The surface is gene- rally diversified with moderate hills and narrow dales ; there are, how- ever, some considerable eminen- ces in the northwest section of the county, and some flats of conside- rable extent in the south section, bordering upon the Atlantic. The prevailing soil is a primitive grav- elly loam, strong and fertile ; there are some considerable tracts of sandy loam, and some of alluvial. MIble breed of neat cattle. This
The forests of the county are of the deciduous species, and in most sections afford a supply both for fuel and timber, for the local de- mand. The various objects of the grazing business form the leading agricultural interests of the county. A considerable section of this coun- ty was formerly called the Narra- gansett country, and was celebrated for an excellent breed of pacing horses ; the other section was call- ed the Shannock country, and was' equally distinguished for a valua-
* See Appendix.
48
378
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
county still maintains a high repu- tation as a grazing district, and af- fords many extensive and valuable dairies. But the agricultural in- terests are not confined exclusively to the objects of the grazing busi- ness ; in some sections of the coun- ty, considerable attention is paid to the cultivation of grain, particu- larly Indian corn and barley ; some rye also is raised. Although there may be some want of enterprise and a spirit of agricultural im- provements, yet the inhabitants are distinguished for their habits of industry and frugality, and in general enjoy their necessary re- sults, health and competence.
The waters of the county are extensive & important, possessing a maritime border upon the Atlan- tic ocean & the Narragansett bay, of more than 50 miles extent. There are, however, but 2 or 3 harbours ; the principal of which is Wickford, in the northeastern section of the county ; the next most important is the Pawcatuck. The principal interior waters of the county are embodied in the Pawcatuck river, which forms part of the western boundary of the State. The prin- cipal branches of the Pawcatuck are the Wood and Charles rivers ; which, with their tributary streams, water a large proportion of the western section of the county, and afford numerous sites for mills and other hydraulic works.
There are, in the county, seve- ral salt and fresh water ponds, which are well supplied with fish.
The fisheries of the county are extensive and valuable, affording employment to considerable indus- try, which is usually well reward-
ed. The fish taken, not only sup- ply the home consumption, but constitute an article of exportation. The fishing business is carried on principally at the villages of Wick- ford and Pawcatuck.
The commercial and navigation interests of the county are not very extensive or important, and are confined principally to the afore- said villages.
At these and other places in the county, there are from 20 to 25 vessels owned. Although the commercial business carried on within the county is not very con- siderable, yetits maritime situation has had its natural influence upon the habits of the people; a con- siderable portion of whom are em- ployed in seafaring business.
The manufacturing interests of the county are inconsiderable, and consist principally of the woolen and cotton manufactures, and the business of ship building. Besides these, there is considerable me- chanical industry in the various departments of mechanical busi- ness.
There are in the county, exclu- sive of those in the town of Rich- mond, which have not been receiv- ed, 17 Religious Societies, 52 Schools, 5 incorporated Banks, 67 Mercantile Stores, 5 Cotton Fac- tories, 7 Woolen do. 34 Grain Mills, 8 Clothiers' Works and 2 Førges.
The population, in 1774, was 13,867; in 1782, 13,133; in 1790, 18,075 ; in 1800, 16,135 ; and in 1810, 14,962. From this view of the population of the county, at these several different periods, it appears that it has suffered greatly by emigration.
379
SOUTH-KINGSTON.
SOUTH-KINGSTON, a post town and seat of justice of the county, is situated 30 miles south- west from Providence; bounded on the north by Exeter and North- Kingston, on the east by the Nar- ragansett bay and the Atlantic ocean, on the south by the Atlantic, and on the west by Charlestown and Richmond. This is the largest township in the State, being about 11 miles in length, from north to south, and nearly 8} in breadth, from east to west, comprising an area of about 92 square miles.
This is a flourishing agricultural township ; it is of a primitive geo- logical character, having generally an uneven surface. The rocks consist of granite and other primi- tive formations. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, generally strong and fertile. It is adapted both to grazing and a grain culture, affording many excellent dairy farms, and producing good crops of Indian corn, barley, oats and rye. The dairy business constitutes the leading agricultural interest, and is carried on advantageously, and to considerable extent.
The town is extensively accom- modated with navigable waters ; its eastern and southern borders being washed by the Atlantic ocean and the Narragansett bay. Its in- terior is watered by numerous small streams, but there are none deser- ving the character of rivers, In the northeast part of the town, upon the Narragansett bay, there is a good harbour. There is one large salt pond, called Point-Ju- dith pond, and about twenty fresh water ponds, some of which are of. considerable size, one containing three or four thousand acres.
The fisheries are of some im- portance. Upon the shores of the Narragansett, and in the salt pond, considerable quantities ofalewives, bass, perch and smelt are taken. Between one and 2000 barrels of alewives are annually put up for exportation ; and large quantities of bass are marketed at Provi- dence, Newport, and frequently at New-York.
Exclusive of the fishing business, the maritime interests of the town are inconsiderable, although a con- siderable proportion of the inhabi- tants are engaged in seafaring pur- suits abroad.
The mercantile business is con- fined principally to the retail trade, engaged in which there are eight stores.
The manufacturing and mecha- nical employments of the town are inconsiderable. There are eight Grain Mills and two Clothiers' works.
Near the centre of the township is a small but pleasant village, call- ed " Little rest hill." Ithas a pros- pective and interesting site, and contains about 25 Dwelling-houses, a Court-house, in which the courts for the county are held, and which is occasionally occupied by the le- gislature, & an incorporated Bank. There is another small village call- ed Tower Hill, where there is an Episcopal Church,
The population of the town, in 1810, was 3560; and there are about 400 Dwelling-houses, about the same number of Electors, and 5 companies of Militia.
The taxable property exceeds $700,000.
There are, in the town, 4 Reli- gious Societies, two of Friends,
380
EXETER.
CHARLESTOWN.
one of Episcopalians and one of Baptists. There are 4 Schools. This town was first settled about the year 1670, then being a part of the town of Kingston, which,
in about the year 1723, was divi- ded into two towns, the southeast section was called South-Kingston, and the other North-Kingston.
EXETER.
EXETER is an agricultural township, situated 24 miles south- west of Providence ; bounded on the north by West-Greenwich, on the east by North-Kingston, on the south by South-Kingston, Rich- mond and Hopkinton, and on the west by the State of Connecticut,
.
This township comprises exten- sive territorial limits, having an average length of more than 12 miles, and a mean breadth of more than 5 miles, comprising an area of about 66 square miles.
The surface, soil and geological features of this township corres- pond with this district generally. The rocks are primitive, the soil a gravelly loam, and the face of the country uneven, exhibiting a diversity of hill and dale.
The natural and agricultural productions also are such as are common to this region. The va- rioas objects of the dairy business, and the cultivation of Indian corn, rye and oats constitute the prin- cipal agricultural interests.
The contemplated road from Providence to Pawcatuck will lead through this town.
This town is not accommodated with any navigable waters. Its wes- tern section is watered by Wood river and its branches, which in- tersect it in various directions. This stream affords some good sites for hydraulic works.
The cotton spinning business constitutes the principal manufac- turing interest. There are 2 Cot- ton Factories, containing about 360 spindles each. There are one Woolen Factory, one Clothier's works and ten Grain Mills.
.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2254; and there are 296 Electors, 311 Dwelling-hous- es and 3 companies of Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty is $200,078.
There are one Religious Society and Church, 20 primary Schools and 3 Mercantile Stores.
Exeter was incorporated the 5th of December, 1743.
CHARLESTOWN.
CHARLESTOWN is a post township, situated 40 miles south- west from Providence ; bounded on the north byCharles river, which separates it from Richmond, on the east by South-Kingston, on the south by the Atlantic ocean, and on the west by Westerly.
The township is between six and seven miles square, and nearly in a square form, comprising an arca of about 43 square miles, including . its waters, of which there are five considerable ponds, two salt, and three fresh water, all of which, it is estimated, contain about. 7 square
381
CHARLESTOWN.
miles. These ponds are called Charlestown, Conaquetogue, Pos- quissett, Watchaug and Cochum- paug. The two first are salt wa- ter, and the three latter fresh wa- ter ponds.
Between the two first mention- ed ponds there are communica- tions with the sea, which are occa- sionally closed by sand. The en- trance into Conaquetogue pond is sometimes of sufficient depth to admit of vessels of from 15 to 20 tons ; but that into Charlestown pond only admits of small open boats. In these ponds, and in the sea, considerable quantities of fish are taken ; the most important are codfish, haddock, black fish, mack- erel, blue fish, white fish, scupaug, (an Indian name,) bass, perch and alewives.
Charles river, which has its source in Warden's pond,in South- Kingston, washes the northern bor- der of the township. This stream, after affording several sites for hy- draulic works, unites with Wood river from the north, forming Paw- catuck river, which discharges its waters into Fisher's Island sound.
The township, as it respects its surface and soil, is considerably diversified. Bordering upon the sea, for about two miles in extent, there is a level tract, possessing a fertile soil, and affording a facility of cultivation. Back of this is a tract of about the same extent, which is elevated and rough, being hilly and rocky ; so much so as to render it in a great measure unfit for cultivation. It however affords valuable forests, which comprise oak of the various species, ches- nut, walnut, maple, ash, birch, and
¡white and yellow pine. In the north section, the soil is generally light, but carries tolerable crops of rye and Indian corn.
The agricultural productions con- sist of rye, corn, oats, barley, po- tatoes, beef, pork, butter & cheese.
There are no manufacturing es- tablishments in this town, although there is considerable manufactur- ing industry. Large quantities of cotton cloth are usually wove here in families, for the manufacturing establishments in other towns. For several years past, about 3000 pair of coarse wool stockings have been manufactured here for the New- York market.
The mercantile business is in- considerable. There are six re- tail Stores, which employ but small capitals, and do but little business.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1174; and there are about 220 Dwelling-houses, 170 Electors, and two companies of Militia.
There is one Religious Society of Baptists, which have two pla- ces for religious worship. There are ten primary schools usually maintained in the winter season ; and in the summer there are seve- ral female schools for instruction in reading, writing and needle- work. It must, however, be ac- knowledged, that there is less at- tention paid to the subject of edu- cation than its importance de- mands.
Having noticed what belongs to civilized man, we cannot pass over the aboriginal inhabitants. Here are the remains of the famous Nar- ragansett tribe of Indians, once sovereigns of immense domains, once powerful in peace and terri-
CHARLESTOWN.
ble in war, not only to neighbour- ing tribes, but to the primitive European settlements. Where is this numerous and powerful na- tion, which once "possessed the earth ?" They have passed away like a dream, and the places that knew them know them no more. Their fishing ponds have become ports of entry, and their hunting grounds fruitful fields. The re- mains of this tribe at this place amount to about 100, nearly all of whom are intermixed with the whites and negroes. They are an abject race, strongly attached to spiritous liquors, subsisting mise- rably upon the rents of their lands, which are all leased out, and occa- sional personal labour. They pos- sess, however, some of the traits of their ancient character ; they are hospitable, and notwithstanding their wretched situation, they are seldom guilty of theft, although in other respects they seem to have little sense of moral principle. They still own about 3000 acres of land, extending through the cen- tre of the town, north and south. It is in a bad state of cultivation, and in general greatly impoverish- ed by a system of bad husbandry, and the mismanagement of tenants. It is naturally good land, and adap- ted to a grain culture, and affords at the present time tolerable crops of corn and rye.
They are governed by laws enacted by the General Assembly ; which, however, are distinct from the general laws of the State. Their lands are secured to them, not being subject to be alienated ; and they are not allowed the pri- vilege of selling their wood and timber. This latter regulation,
however, is violated with impuni- ty. No process can issue against them for debt ; and any officer is- suing such process is subjected to a fine. Negroes, intermarrying with the tribe, are allowed the same pri- vileges and exemptions. In some instances, their marriages are sanc- tioned by conformity to the laws ; but in general they pursue the pri- mitive custom of " taking a wife" without ceremony. Several years ago, the most intelligent, active and industrious emigrated to Onei- da, where they had lands given them by that tribe. Those dispos- ed to emigrate may lease their lands for ten years ; after which, it descends to the heir at law, which is the next of kin. The Indians choose annually,from among them- selves, a council, consisting of five members, which, with the appro- bation of an agent, appointed by the General Assembly, have here- tofore had the management of af- fairs relating to the poor, leasing tribe lands, and the lands of ab- sent individuals. But, from an accumulation of expense in the agent's department, that office has lately been discontinued ; and the council now have the sole manage- ment of the affairs of the tribe. There are no distinctions of " chiefs" among them at the pres- ent time ; but 50 or 60 years since, some of them were invested with regal dignity, with considerable ce- remony.
Charlestown, including Rich- mond, was separated from Wester- ly, and incorporated in 1738. 'The date of the first settlement is not. known ; but perhaps was as early as the incorporation of Westerly, in 1669.
HOPKINTON.
NORTH-KINGSTON. 385
HOPKINTON is an interior post township, situated 30 miles southwest of Providence ; bound- ed northerly by the town of Exe- ter, easterly by Wood river, which separates it from Richmond, sou- therly by the town of Westerly and Pawcatuck river, and westerly by North-Stonington, in the State of Connecticut.
Its average length, from north to south, is more than 8 miles, and its mean breadth is about 4 miles, comprising an area of about 24 square miles.
The north section of the town is rough and broken, and presents primitive geological features. The soil here is a gravelly loam, well adapted to grazing. The south section of the town is smooth and level, and the soil well adapted to a grain culture. Grass also grows well, and most other crops. In the north part, there is considera- ble wood and timber, of the deci- duous species. There are many valuable apple orchards, and con- siderable quantities of cider are made.
The principal waters of the town are embodied in Wood river, a small stream which washes its eastern border, and empties into the Paw- catuck at the southeast corner of the town. This is a valuable mill stream. A part of the southern border of the town is washed by the Pawcatuck, in which shad, alewives and many other kinds of small fish are taken ; these are the
only fisheries the town affords. There are several ponds in the township.
This town, possessing no navi- gable waters, maintains but little commerce. There are seven mer- cantile stores engaged in the retait business.
The contemplated turnpike road from Providence to New-London will lead through the centre of this town.
The are some manufactories in the town. Two Forges have been erected upon Wood river. Besides which, there are 3 Woolen Facto- ries, 2 Clothiers' works, 5 Grain Mills and 10 Saw Mills.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1774; and there are 220 Freemen or Electors, 230 Dwell- ing-houses, and 3 companies of Militia, and one chartered compa- ny.
The amount of taxable property is $250,000.
There are 4 Religious Societies, three of Baptists, and one of Friends, all of which are accom- modated with houses for religious worship, 6 regular Schools, besides several others which are occasion- ally maintained.
Near the centre of the town, there is a small village, which is the seat of most of the commercial and mechanical business.
The first settlement of this town was about the year 1660; and it was incorporated in 1757.
NORTH-KINGSTON.
NORTH-KINGSTON, a weal-|| westerly from Providence ; bound- thy and flourishing maritime post| township, is situated 20 miles south-
ed northerly by East-Greenwich and Warwick, easterly by Nar-
384
NORTH-KINGSTON.
ragansett bay, southerly by South- Kingston, and westerly by Exeter. Its average length is about 8 miles, from east to west, and its mean breadth about 7 miles, comprising about 56 square miles.
The face of the country is ge- nerally uneven, being diversified with hills and dales. The north- ern section, however, is level.
The geology of the township is primitive ; and there are several quarries of excellent freestone, for building and other purposes.
The soil in the northern section is a sandy loam, well adapted to a grain culture, particularly Indian corn; and the southern section is a gravelly loam, affording good grazing.
The agricultural productions consist of Indian corn, rye, wheat, buck-wheat, barley, beans, peas, potatoes and some others common to this region.
There are some forests in the town, which afford a supply of wood and timber for ordinary uses, and for ship building, &c.
This town enjoys the advantages of the waters of the Narragansett bay, which wash its eastern bor- der ; and its interior is watered by numerous small streams, the most considerable of which are the Pet- tequamscust,orNarrowriver,which has its source in this town, and runs southerly thro' South-Kings- ton, and discharges itself into the ocean ; the Annoquetucket, which is a valuable mill stream, and the seat of a number of mills and fac- tories ; and Hunt's river, which runs upon the northern boundary of the town. In the first of these streams, large quantities of bass,
perch, smelts and alewives are ta- ken.
There is a safe and convenient harbour at Wickford, having a suf- ficient depth of water, and situated 8 or 9 miles north of the Beaver Tail light-house, and so near the ocean as seldom to be obstructed by ice in the winter season. Be- sides this, there are in the town two other harbours, Cole's har- bour and Allen's harbour.
The fishing business forms a considerable interest in this town. It is carried on upon Nantucket shoals, the Grand Banks, the Streights of Belle-Isle, off Block- Island, Sandy-Hook, &c. There are generally from 6 to 10 vessels employed in this business.
There is considerable commer- cial and navigation business, the latter of which consists principal- ly of a coasting trade. There are from 15 to 20 vessels owned in the town ; and there' are 35 stores of every description.
The manufacturing interests are considerably important. There are 2 Cotton Factories, containing, both of them, 1164 spindles, one Gin Distillery, situated in the vici- nity of Wickford village, 2 Wool- en Factories, 3 Clothiers' works and 6 Grain Mills.
WICKFORD, in this town, is a large and flourishing village, situated on the west side of the Narragansett bay, about 22 miles southwest from Providence, and 15 northwest from Newport, having a pleasant and interesting site, upon a peninsula or point of land. There are in the village about 90 Dwelling-hou- ses, 30 Mercantile Stores, and a considerable number of workshops
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