History of Foster, Rhode Island, USA

1819 - Foster
Foster, a considerable post township, is situated on the west section of the State, 15 miles from Providence; bounded on the south by the township of Coventry, in the county of Kent, on the west by the towns of Killingly and Sterling, in the State of Connecticut, on the north by Gloucester, and on the east by Scituate. The mean length of the township, from north to south, is more than 8 miles, and its mean breadth about 6 miles, comprising about 50 square miles.

This township is of a granitic geological character; and many sections of it present very rugged features, being hilly, rocky and broken. The soil is a primitive gravelly loam, generally deep and strong, affording good grazing; but the lands in general are too stony and rough for arable purposes. There are extensive forests in the town, particularly in its western section, which afford large supplies of valuable timber. The agricultural productions consist of the various articles of the dairy business, and a grazing system... Read MORE...

1839 - Foster
Foster, Rhode Island
Providence county. This is a large agricultural and manufacturing town, finely watered by Hemlock brook, Ponongansett and Moosup rivers. The surface of the town, in many parts, is rough and uneven, but the soil is well calculated for the productions of the dairy. In the western part are extensive forests of valuable timber. There are a number of pleasant villages on the borders of the numerous streams, most of which are largely engaged in manufacturing operations, particularly of cotton. Foster was first settled in 1717; incorporated in 1781, and named in compliment to the Hon. Theodore Foster, formerly a senator of the United States. It lies 15 miles W. by S. from Providence and 50 E. from Hartford, Ct. Population, 1830, 2,672.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Foster / Foster Centre
Foster, a post-township of Providence county, Rhode Island, 15 miles W. by S. from Providence ; intersected by several fine streams, affording good mill-power. Population, 1932.

Foster Centre, a post-office of Providence county, Rhode Island.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
FOSTER, a township of Rhode Island, U.S., 19 m. WSW of Providence. Pop. 2,181.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Foster Centre
Foster Centre, a post-hamlet of Providence co: R.I., in Foster township, about 18 miles W. by S. of Provide". It has a church, a manufactory of shell jewelry, and a stone quarry. Pop. 34.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Foster, a post-township (town) of Providence co., R.I. The banking point is Providence. Pop. in 1900, 1151.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

North Foster is the snowiest place in Rhode Island, averaging 60.4 inches (153 cm) per year.

National Weather Service

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Foster:
Foster Center Historic District:

Take a stroll through Foster Center, the historic district of the town. Enjoy the charm of well-preserved buildings, some dating back to the 18th century. There's a peaceful, small-town atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely walk.

Foster Country Club:

If you're a golf enthusiast, head to Foster Country Club. This 18-hole golf course is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a great place to enjoy a round of golf with friends or family.

Foster Town House:

Check out the Foster Town House, a historic building that serves as the town hall. It's an architectural gem and often hosts community events. Even if there's nothing specific happening, the building itself is worth a visit.

Hiking at George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge:

Explore the natural beauty of Foster by hiking through the George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers several trails of varying difficulty levels, providing a great opportunity to... Read MORE...