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Flag associated with Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA History of Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA

Journey back in time to Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA

Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Jamestown

Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA - Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA - Gardner House and Bayview House, Jamestown, R.I.
In 1524, the Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano and his crew visited Narragansett Bay. In 1636 or 1637, "Dutch Island" was used by fur traders. In 1638 the English made arrangements to use Conanicut Island for grazing sheep.

Ferries were in operation between Conanicut Island and Newport by 1675. In 1678, Conanicut Island was incorporated as the town of Jamestown. There were about 150 residents. The town was named for James, Duke of York, who would become King James II in 1685.
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VINTAGE JAMESTOWN

Jamestown Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA - Gardner House and Bayview House, Jamestown, R.I.
Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA
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Gardner House and Bayview House, Jamestown, R.I.
Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA - Along the shore, Jamestown, R. I.
Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA
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Along the shore, Jamestown, R. I.
Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA - Thorndyke Hotel, Jamestown, R.I.
Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA
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Thorndyke Hotel, Jamestown, R.I.
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to JAMESTOWN

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ROCKY POINT, RI Amusement Park Mug – Vintage Rhode Island Postcard Coffee Cup

Take a nostalgic trip back to the iconic Rocky Point Amusement Park with this ceramic mug featuring four charming vintage postcards from Rhode Island's beloved seaside destination. Showcasing iconic scenes like "Getting Ready for a Clam Bake," the bustling "Dining Hall," and the lively "Promenade on the Midway," this mug brings the magic of Rocky Point to your daily coffee or tea ritual. Celebrate the golden days of Rocky Point every morning!

I Love RHODE ISLAND Mug – Clam Chowder, Coffee Milk & Johnny Cakes Ceramic Coffee Cup – Ocean State Food Lover Gift, 11oz & 15oz

Celebrate the flavors of the Ocean State with this Rhode Island-inspired ceramic mug! Featuring iconic local favorites—clam chowder, coffee milk, and Johnny cakes—plus the “I Love Rhode Island!” slogan, it’s perfect for locals, food lovers, and anyone who cherishes Rhode Island’s coastal charm.

RHODE ISLAND ROOTS - "I'm from Rhode Island!" Quahog Lover's Ceramic Mug

Embrace your Rhode Island roots with this charming and humorous ceramic mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite hot beverages, this mug features the witty caption: "I'm from Rhode Island! That explains a lot about my love for quahogs that I pronounce with confidence, even though I'm not sure what they are."
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Jamestown: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Jamestown through the years.

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...
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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.
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.
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...
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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...
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GENEALOGY IN JAMESTOWN

Discover YOUR Roots: Jamestown Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Jamestown through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA

We currently have information about 68 ancestors who were born or died in Jamestown.

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MARRIAGES

Ancestors Who Were Married in Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Jamestown.

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Updated: 10/8/2023 2:17:59 PM
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