History of Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA

1819 - Jamestown
Jamestown is an insulated township, situated on Connanicut Island, in Narragansett bay, about 3 miles west of Newport, and 30 south of Providence. Jamestown includes the whole of Connanicut Island, and is about 8 miles in length, from north to south, and has a mean breadth, from east to west, of nearly one mile, comprising about 8 square miles.

The geological structure and rocks of the island are similar to those of Rhode-Island. The soil is a rich loam, and peculiarly adapted to grazing. It is likewise productive in grain, especially barley and Indian corn. The agricultural interests, which occupy almost exclusively the attention of the inhabitants, consist primarily in the various objects connected with the grazing business, and the cultivation of barley and Indian corn. Considerable attention has been bestowed heretofore upon the raising of sheep, on this island; but this at present is an object less attended to. The concerns and interests of husbandry in general exhibit a... Read MORE...

1839 - Jamestown
Jamestown, Rhode Island
Newport county. This town comprises Connanicut, a beautiful island in Narraganset bay, about 8 miles in length: its average breadth is about a mile. The soil is a rich loam and peculiarly adapted for grazing and the production of Indian corn and barley.

The inhabitants of this island are remarkable for their industry and agricultural skill, which, united with the fertility of the soil and the location of the island, renders it a delightful place. The distance from the town or island to Newport and South Kingston is about a mile each way; to each of those places a ferry is established. The island was purchased of the Indians in 1657. Jamestown was incorporated in 1678. Population, 1830, 415.
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 - Jamestown
Jamestown, a post-township of Newport co., Rhode Island, consists of Canonicut, a beautiful island in Narragansett bay, opposite Newport. Population, 358.
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.

1895 - Jamestown
Jamestown, a post-office of Newport co., R.I., in Jamestown township, on Canonicut Island, 4 miles W. by N. of Newport. Pop. of the township, 488.
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
Jamestown, a post-village and resort of Newport co., R.I., in Jamestown township (town), on Canonicut Island, 4 miles W. by N. of Newport. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1498.
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

1931 - INVESTIGATE 5 DEATHS IN HOSPITAL FIRE. PATIENTS AND ORDERLY ARE TRAPPED IN FLAMING COTTAGE.
JAMESTOWN, R. I., March 17 (AP) - An inquest probably will be begun today into the deaths last night of four patients and an orderly trapped by fire in the No. 3 cottage at the private sanitarium of Dr. W. L. Bates here.

A fifth patient, MATTHEW COX, 50, of Providence was pulled from a second story window by an employe and dropped into the arms of waiting nurses. He was seriously burned.

The dead are:
EDWARD SHEA, patient, of Ashton.
KATHERYN L. GERHARD, 46, a patient, of East Providence.
HENRY EASTMAN, a patient, of Newport.
EDWARD PECKHAM, 83, a patient, of Middletown.
JOSEPH HARDMAN, an orderly, of Central Falls.

The blaze, discovered by James Daly, an orderly, spread through the three-story frame structure so rapidly that ELMER BOWMILLER, another orderly, who attempted to telephone an alarm, was forced to flee from the telephone. It was eight minutes before a call was finally put through to the fire department.

Daly barely had time to hurry through corridors and... Read MORE...

1969 - Newport Bridge opened between Jamestown and Newport

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Jamestown:
Beavertail State Park:

Start your visit with this beautiful state park located on the southern tip of Jamestown. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking, and there's a historic lighthouse to explore.

Cliff Walk:

Take a stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, which offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge. It's a peaceful and picturesque way to spend some time outdoors.

Fort Wetherill State Park:

If you're a history buff, visit Fort Wetherill State Park. This former coastal defense battery offers hiking trails and impressive views of the bay.

Jamestown Windmill:

Explore the Jamestown Windmill, a historic landmark that dates back to 1787. You can learn about the island's agricultural history and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Dutch Harbor Boat Yard:

If you're into boats and maritime activities, visit Dutch Harbor Boat Yard. You can see some beautiful boats and maybe even catch a sailing event.

Mackerel Cove Beach:

Relax at... Read MORE...