9 Old-World Towns to Visit in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's history is often overlooked due to its small size; however, the state has one of the most intriguing stories in American history. It was founded by Puritan refugee Roger Williams, who aimed to set up a state that granted religious tolerance to all. Visitors can see many of the original towns established close to its founding firsthand by visiting Rhode Island. Within these Old-World towns, there are 18th-century homesteads, the oldest plantation in America, colonial battle sites, windmill cottages, 17th-century architecture, and more. Here are nine Old-World towns to visit in Rhode Island.
Exeter
Initially part of North Kingstown, Exeter was established in 1742 as a separate town. During the 1800s, there was a boom in textile manufacturing, sawmills, and grist mills. But of course, its history goes back further to Native Americans, which visitors can learn about at the Tomaquag Museum, the only museum in Rhode Island that covers this fascinating group of people. The town has many historic buildings, such as the 1804 Crandall Farm, the 1856 Liberty Baptist Church, a great example of a small town 19th-century church, and others. Another great place to visit in Exeter is the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, which has 1.5 million tulips in a picturesque rural setting. Customers can pick some flowers and bring home a bouquet to a loved one.
Westerly
Westerly was first settled in 1661 and later incorporated in 1669. The area was a major producer of granite and had a large population of stone cutters. The granite industry, of course, was critical for monuments and construction projects alike, which you can learn more about at the Babcock Smith House Museum, a 1734 Georgia-style mansion that hosts exhibits on Westerly and its history as a granite town. The town has a cute historic district, which includes the 1872 Old Town Hall and the Spanish Colonial railroad station built in 1912. Speaking of history, military buffs will appreciate learning about late 19th and early 20th-century weapons at the 1901 Westerly Armory, formally a National Guard facility. There are also multiple beaches in town where you can relax for the day by the water, including Weekapaug Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and East Beach.
Little Compton
Little Compton was first settled in 1675, around the same time as the climatic King Philip's War, which would rock New England. Travelers can discover many quirky structures and sites by exploring the town's main area and its villages. First off is the Wilbor House, a 1692 colonial structure that is now a museum and home to the Compton Historical Society. Next up, travelers can learn about the town's religious history at the Friends Meeting House and Cemetery, built in 1815 by the Quakers. Within the town village Adamsville is an intriguing 1905 structure called the Spite Tower, which was allegedly constructed to block the line of sight between a resident's store and his home. Lastly, Little Compton has the 1788 Grays General Store in Adamsville, which claims to be the oldest operating general store in the entire country.
Narragansett
This town got its name from the Native American tribe, and Roger Williams purchased the land that would become Rhode Island. Today, Narragansett offers equal amounts of beach town charm and historic structures to explore. The town became a major center for 19th-century gambling, displayed at the intriguing Towers, the only structure left of the 1880s Narragansett Pier Casino. In addition, there are several beautifully preserved 19th-century churches in town, such as the 1852 St. Peter's-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and the 1850 South Ferry Church. Speaking of the sea, the Narragansett Town Beach is known for its cleanliness and gentle beauty on the New England coast. By taking a ferry to nearby Block Island, visitors can see multiple lighthouses, including the red brick 19th century Southeast Lighthouse.
East Greenwich
First incorporated in 1677, East Greenwich's history goes back to the founding days of Rhode Island. It was the site of the first formal Navy in the United States when the Rhode Island State Assembly founded one in 1772. The town was also the home of the Kentish Guard militia that fought against the British in the American Revolutionary War, which you can learn about at the 1843 Kentish Guards Armory. Also in town is t the 18th-century Varnum House Museum, where General James Mitchell Varnum lived and hosted many guests, such as George Washington. However, the most intriguing spot in town is the Windmill Cottage, a fascinating 19th-century cottage with a windmill attached to it by none other than Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Cumberland
This town was initially part of Wrentham, Massachusetts, in 1635 before eventually being transferred to Rhode Island after a boundary dispute. Cumberland would become a site of a wartime massacre during the 1676 King Philip's War when a handful of Narragansett warriors captured nine colonists and tortured them to death. You can see the site of this event at the Nine Men's Misery monument, the oldest war monument in the United States. Beyond this, Cumberland has several examples of colonial architecture in Cumberland, such as the Whipple-Jenckes House built in 1750, the 1872 Gothic Revival style St. Joseph Church, or the 1825 Federal style Lewis Tower House. Cumberland is also great for cyclists with the Blackstone River Bikeway, which runs between Worcester, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, along the Blackstone River.
Portsmouth
This town was first settled in 1638 by a group of dissenters from Massachusetts Bay Colony, including the famous Anne Hutchinson. It is the second oldest settlement in Rhode Island, beaten only by the capital, Providence. Portsmouth was the site of the only American Revolutionary War Battle fought in Rhode Island, which you can learn about at the Battle of Rhode Island Site. Beyond this, Portsmouth is a great place to explore historic farms from the Borden Farm to the Farnham Farm to the Greenvale Farm. Visitors can also see a sparkplug 1901 lighthouse called the Hog Island Shoal Light at the entrance to Mount Hope Bay. One of the coolest ways to explore the town is to go on Rail Explorers, which offers pedal-powered vehicles that can take you along the rail tracks within the town.
North Kingstown
The area around Exeter includes many other historic towns, of which North Kingstown is a fantastic example. Settlers first came here in 1674, and their impact can still be felt today in one of the oldest structures in the state: the Smiths Castle. This home, built in 1678, is the oldest plantation in America. It is located in the picturesque Cocumscussoc State Park, which offers hiking trails and hunting opportunities. North Kingston also has multiple picturesque historic houses and farms, such as the 18th century Casey Farm, the 1942 World War II training Camp Endicott, and the picturesque David S. Baker Estate, which has two structures built in an Italianate style. One of these houses has a beautiful tower on the third story and a veranda.
Newport
Newport was settled in 1639 as a safe place for people of different beliefs. In fact, their Town Statutes of 1641 firmly established a right to freedom of religion as a core value. There's history around every corner in Newport, such as at the 1762 Brick Market, which now houses the Newport Museum & Shop, which includes colonial furniture, silver, and an old printing press. Speaking of colonial times, the Newport Colony House, built in 1741, is the fourth oldest statehouse in the United States, while the 1747 Redwood Library is one of the oldest established in the 13 colonies. Mansion lovers will enjoy exploring this town as there are multiple ones to explore, such as the 1883 Isaac Bell House, the 1852 Chateau sur-Mer, and the 1901 The Elms, which include 48 rooms.
Rhode Island is a place to explore for visitors looking to explore Old-World towns in the U.S. without the hustle and bustle of New York or other large states. Here in these towns, tourists can witness the mansions of Newport, see lighthouses at Portsmouth or simply relax at the many town beaches. There's plenty of opportunity for rest and discovery here! These nine Old-World towns are perfect for all, whether a history buff or casual traveler, and each promises a lovely weekend getaway in Rhode Island.
