10 Oldest Founded Small Towns to Visit in Rhode Island

Providence can make for the best history-themed vacation in Rhode Island, perhaps even in New England. Among many of its attractions, the oldest town in the Ocean State has the Roger Williams National Memorial, a site that pays tribute to the man credited with founding the state and advancing ideas ahead of his time, particularly the concept of the separation of church and state. However, Rhode Island is home to many other smaller towns that are both historic and beautiful. From Portsmouth to South Kingston, discover below the ten oldest-founded small towns to visit in Rhode Island.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth, the oldest municipality in Rhode Island after Providence, lies along the Sakonnet River, an Indian name that ostensibly means “Haunt of the Wild Black Goose.” Portsmouth was established in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson, William Coddington, and John Clarke, among others. Hutchinson had been arguing that people could reach God through individual intuition — not by observing institutionalized beliefs or following the precepts of ministers. For this, she was accused of “traducing the ministers,” to mean slandering them — was convicted in 1637 and banished from Boston and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. That is how Hutchinson, with some of her followers, established Portsmouth. Today, one will enjoy roaming around the Green Animals Topiary Garden, swimming in the calm, shallow waters of Sandy Point Beach, or grazing at fun, casual spots such as Foodworks Restaurant, loved for its great breakfast and lunch menu.

Westerly

As its name implies, Westerly is the westernmost town in the state of Rhode Island. It reclines along the Pawcatuck River, an Algonquian Indian word that ostensibly means “open divided stream.” Although its European settlement history goes back to 1648, Westerly would be incorporated 21 years later in 1669. The town had its start as a ship-building hub before transitioning into an economy that mostly relies on tourism. Visitors often marvel at the massive historic homes here, including the Babcock-Smith House, a Georgian Mansion built in 1734, many years before the Continental Congress. Down at Watch Hill, the charming village where Taylor Swift has a home, a visitor will enjoy a quiet, laid-back vacation amid spellbinding nautical charm. For some light action, Napatree Point Conservation Area, which features one of the best sunset beaches in Rhode Island, has well-kept paths perfect for evening strolls. If tagging kids, the Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest working carousel in the nation. Ready to crown it with a glass of wine? Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery is a required stop.

North Kingstown

Settled in 1641, incorporated in 1674, and divided into North Kingstown and South Kingstown in 1723, this town (and area) boasts some of the most dated histories in Rhode Island. One can trace the town’s footprints at spots such as the Old Narragansett Church, which was built in 1707, Smith's Castle, one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in America (it was built in 1678), and the impressive Casey Farm in nearby Saunderstown, which was built around 1750 and is today maintained as a typical New England farmstead, complete with flowers and fruits, meat and music. Plus, Saunderstown is the birthplace of Gilbert Stuart, who painted the most popular image of George Washington; the one on the American one-dollar bill. If in the area, you may want to check out The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum. For some sand and sun, North Kingstown Town Beach is right at your doorstep.

East Greenwich

East Greenwich rests on the beautiful Greenwich Bay, just 20 minutes down the road from Providence. It was incorporated in 1677 and later called Dedford before being renamed for the city of Greenwich in London, where hemispheres meet and from where we have the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. For many years after the birth of the new nation, Rhode Island would rotate its capitol to its five counties. During this period, East Greenwich served as one of the five capitals, representing Kent County. The courthouse, now East Greenwich Town Hall, was built in 1804. It is here that the meetings of the General Assembly were held. Many Revolutionary War heroes hailed from East Greenwich, including General James Mitchell Varnum, whose house, now the Varnum House Museum, is restored with period furnishings. There is also the Kentish Guards Armory, one of a handful of militia armories in the entire state.

Little Compton

Little Compton, founded by explorers from Plymouth Colony, was once called Sakonnet, translated as “the black goose comes.” Today, the town’s flag has two geese, possibly lending credence to the assertion. It was incorporated in 1682, 12 years before the convention of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia’s Carpenters' Hall. Sakonnet was renamed “Little Compton” the same year. Wilbor House, built in the 1600s, now hosts the Little Compton Historical Society. Accommodation options around the town include Stone House Inn, an elegant four-story house constructed in 1854 by a prominent business entrepreneur from Providence. At Whitehead Preserve at Dundery, a scenic boardwalk takes one through the woods amid the soft cooing of birds and nature’s unspoiled beauty.

New Shoreham

New Shoreham, which is the only town on Block Island, was incorporated in 1672. Settlers from Massachusetts arrived on Block Island in 1661. In 1664, just three years later, the island was admitted to the colony of Rhode Island. Once known primarily for farming and fishing, Block Island is today a fairly big name in vacation circles. You can stay at the Spring House Hotel, which is loved for its stunning views and central location. It was built in 1854, and hence, is the oldest hotel on the Island. Other attractions include the 185-foot Mohegan Bluffs, which provides the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, there is the beach, the lighthouse, and the kangaroos and camels at the Abrams Animal Farm.

Jamestown

Jamestown was incorporated in 1678 when the area was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It would be transferred to the Rhode Island Colony more than 60 years later in 1746. Today, Jamestown breams with many tasty restaurants, cute locally owned shops, and numerous attractions, many of which provide a glimpse into its rich and fascinating history. There is the windmill in the Windmill Historic District, which ground corn for farmers for over a century until 1896. Also, besides being a fantastic spot to enjoy the sunset, Beavertail State Park provides access to the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, from where one will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. However, for some awesome artistic presentations, Jamestown Arts Center is the ultimate destination.

Bristol

Bristol was incorporated in 1681 and named for Bristol, England, home to Fry's Chocolate, the first company on the planet to make chocolate bars. Historic landmarks within the precincts of Bistol include the Joseph Reynolds House, the oldest known three-story building in Rhode Island. It was built in 1698. It has hosted some notable guests, including Lafayette, who stayed there during a military operation in 1778. Likewise, there is Bristol State House, whose hallowed walls have witnessed centuries of Rhode Island's heritage. If you want to stroll through a space where beauty pores from almost every spot, Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum is the best option for miles. Of the Gilded Age properties in the Bristol area, this is one of the most ornate, outdoorsy, and exquisitely landscaped.

Tiverton

Tiverton is tucked away in the easternmost realm of Rhode Island, an area originally known for its rich shellfish beds, mild climate, and abundant wildlife. Although its settlement history goes a bit longer, Tiverton was incorporated in 1694. At the time, the area was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. About 50 years later in 1746, by British Royal decree, Tiverton was brought within the jurisdiction of Rhode Island. One will have a blast traipsing through the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District, a homey 18th-century New England Village with a sculpture garden, cute shops, and tasty restaurants. Set base at Sakonnet Farm and Stays, enjoy hearty breakfasts at Groundswell Cafe + Bakery, and walk through the woods at the Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively, Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods, the site of historic military engagements, has trails that weave through small brooks and streams.

South Kingston

The area that South Kingston occupies was once part of a larger town called Kingstown. It was appreciably large and comprised the present-day towns of North Kingstown (highlighted above), South Kingstown, Exeter, Narragansett, and Middletown. Crossing rivers and streams to attend town meetings in far-flung spots soon proved back-breaking. At least according to the folks from the southern parts of the town. Therefore, they petitioned the General Assembly in June 1722 for the creation of a new town out of the existing Kingstown. It was the first such request in the state. The subsequent division a year later was also the first of its kind in 18th-century Colonial Rhode Island. Samuel E. Perry Grist Mill, later known as Carpenter's Grist Mill, is a historical gem that has been in use since 1703. That said, mingle with turtles and ospreys at the tranquil Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge before crowning everything with a cold drink at Mews Tavern, which has been in business since 1947.

Step into Rhode Island's Timeless Heritage

Touching brick walls that have weathered three hundred winters, have witnessed epoch-making events, and seen both prosperity and desperation — is one of life’s most evocative experiences. It is a nice idea to read a book, perhaps Charles Bancroft’s The Footprints of Time; however, nothing compares to a physical tour of these historic sites, which is quite a sobering reality. Rhode Island boasts a rich and fascinating history and some of these can be enjoyed in Providence, the state’s oldest city. However, many other little gems in the state are just as good, just as travel-worthy. For specific suggestions, check out Portsmouth and all the towns highlighted here.