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History of Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Journey back in time to Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Also known as(Esmond) (Georgiaville) (Stillwater)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Smithfield
Smithfield, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
The earliest settlers, who arrived in the beginning of the 17th century, named the area after Smithfield, London. It began as a farming community with an active Quaker community that extended to South Uxbridge.
The earliest settlers, who arrived in the beginning of the 17th century, named the area after Smithfield, London. It began as a farming community with an active Quaker community that extended to South Uxbridge.
Sourcecitytowninfo.com
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VINTAGE SMITHFIELD
Smithfield Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Georgiaville) (Stillwater) - Esmond Depot){kind=small}
Esmond Depot
Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Georgiaville) (Stillwater) - Timberland Restaurant){kind=small}
Timberland Restaurant
Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Georgiaville) (Stillwater) - Bryant College){kind=small}
Bryant College
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to SMITHFIELD
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 Smithfield: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Smithfield through the years.
1802 - Fatal Accident
As Mr. William Burlingham, of Smithfield, State of Rhodeisland, was attempting to pass from one hay mow to another, across a temporary loft in the barn, formed with loose rails, by a fatal incident he fell through upon the threshing floor, and fractured his skull in so shocking a manner it put an immediate period to his existence. He was a very promising young man, and a highly useful member of society, in which he was justly held in great esteem.
1819 - Smithfield
Smithfield is a large and flourishing post township, situated nine miles northwest of Providence; bounded northeasterly by Blackstone or Pawtucket river, which divides it principally from Cumberland, northerly by the State of Massachusetts, westerly by Burrellvile and Gloucester, south and southeasterly by Johnston and N. Providence.
The average length of the township is about 10 miles, with a mean breadth of 6 miles, comprising an area of 60 square miles.
This township has generally and undulating surface, presenting an ... and gentle declivities; ... some sections it is considerably rough and broken. Its geological structure comprises numerous calcareous strata. In these strata, four quarries have been opened, and large quantities of limestone raised, which has been manufactured into lime. It has been estimated that from 40 to 50,000 casks have been made annually, the principal part of which is exported to the southern States for a market. One of these quarries affords...
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The average length of the township is about 10 miles, with a mean breadth of 6 miles, comprising an area of 60 square miles.
This township has generally and undulating surface, presenting an ... and gentle declivities; ... some sections it is considerably rough and broken. Its geological structure comprises numerous calcareous strata. In these strata, four quarries have been opened, and large quantities of limestone raised, which has been manufactured into lime. It has been estimated that from 40 to 50,000 casks have been made annually, the principal part of which is exported to the southern States for a market. One of these quarries affords...
1828 - Mother's Love
Who but a mother can conceive the depth of a mother's love? We learn from the Providence Journal, that a woman of Smithfield Rhode-Island, went to the well to draw water, with a young child in her arms, and while in the act, from some cause, the child slipped or sprung from her, and plunged into the well, which was about 30 feet deep. The mother immediately seized the well pole with which she descended a part of the distance, and then jumped down to the relief of her child, which was raised from the water and held in that position until the cries of the mother brought Mr. Joshua Arnold to her relief. Both the mother and child were taken from the well, without having received material injury.
1839 - Smithfield
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Providence county. This is a large town, containing an area of about 10 by 6 miles, and a great variety of surface and soil.
Smithfield has generally an undulating surface, presenting an agreeable diversity of moderate eminences and gentle declivities; but in some sections it is considerably rough and broken.
The manufacture of lime is an important and extensive business, and affords employment to a great number of persons. There is also a quarry of white stone at what is called Woonsocket hill, that sustains heat remarkably well, which renders it very valuable for furnace hearths. About two miles distant from this there is a quarry containing excellent whetstones for edge tools.
The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, with some sections of a calcareous loam. It is generally rich and fertile, although in some places it has been reduced by an exhausting system of cultivation. There are, however, some low and marshy tracts, which are generally...
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Providence county. This is a large town, containing an area of about 10 by 6 miles, and a great variety of surface and soil.
Smithfield has generally an undulating surface, presenting an agreeable diversity of moderate eminences and gentle declivities; but in some sections it is considerably rough and broken.
The manufacture of lime is an important and extensive business, and affords employment to a great number of persons. There is also a quarry of white stone at what is called Woonsocket hill, that sustains heat remarkably well, which renders it very valuable for furnace hearths. About two miles distant from this there is a quarry containing excellent whetstones for edge tools.
The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, with some sections of a calcareous loam. It is generally rich and fertile, although in some places it has been reduced by an exhausting system of cultivation. There are, however, some low and marshy tracts, which are generally...
1853 - Steam-Boiler Explosion - Two Lives Lost, Several Wounded.
Special Correspondence of the N. Y. Daily Times.
PROVIDENCE, Tuesday, Oct. 25.- The steam-boiler in SCHROEDER'S Print Works, in Smithfield, burst about 8 o'clock this morning, with a terrible explosion, instantly killing two operatives, and wounding the engineer and several other persons, probably fatally. The boiler and engine house were shivered to pieces and entirely destroyed. One half the boiler was sent crashing through the bleach-house and dry-house.
SECOND DISPATCH.
The damage to the Print Works and goods, at Smithfield, by the explosion, is $15,000.
The two lads killed were PATRICK MAGUIRE and MATHEW McCABE, who were on the boiler drying their clothes. About 100 persons were at work in and about the establishment, at the time, but escaped all injury, except the engineer.
The accident was occasioned by low water in the boiler. The damage is to be immediately repaired, and the rubbish is already being cleared away, preparatory to putting in a new boiler. The...
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PROVIDENCE, Tuesday, Oct. 25.- The steam-boiler in SCHROEDER'S Print Works, in Smithfield, burst about 8 o'clock this morning, with a terrible explosion, instantly killing two operatives, and wounding the engineer and several other persons, probably fatally. The boiler and engine house were shivered to pieces and entirely destroyed. One half the boiler was sent crashing through the bleach-house and dry-house.
SECOND DISPATCH.
The damage to the Print Works and goods, at Smithfield, by the explosion, is $15,000.
The two lads killed were PATRICK MAGUIRE and MATHEW McCABE, who were on the boiler drying their clothes. About 100 persons were at work in and about the establishment, at the time, but escaped all injury, except the engineer.
The accident was occasioned by low water in the boiler. The damage is to be immediately repaired, and the rubbish is already being cleared away, preparatory to putting in a new boiler. The...
1854 - Smithfield
Smithfield, a township of Providence co., Rhode Island, bordering on the Blackstone river, and the Providence and Worcester rail road, about 12 miles N. from Providence. The manufacture of lime from the extensive lime stone quarries of this place, affords employment to a large number of the inhabitants. This township is one of the largest in the state, and contains several manufacturing villages, the most important of which are Woonsocket, Slatersville, and Valley Falls. Population, 11,500.
1854 - Destruction of a Cotton Bleachery by Fire - Serious Freaks of an Elephant.
PROVIDENCE, Monday, June 5, The Bleachery at Scott's Pond, Smithfield, belonging to W. P. SAYLES, was destroyed by fire about 3 o'clock this morning. The buildings were insured for $18,500 in this city, $1,000 at the People's Mutual Company, Worcester; $2,500 at the Metropolitan, Boston; $4,000 at the Western, Pittsfield; an $2,500 at the North-western, Oswego. The buildings were valued at $25,000, and the goods in the buildings at $10,000.
A large elephant attached to a Menagerie, while on the way to Fall River, got beyond the contact of his keeper, and killed there horses on the road, smashed the wagons, and seriously injured two men, who were in the wagons. The elephant was finally captured near Slade's ferry, and taken to Fall River.
A large elephant attached to a Menagerie, while on the way to Fall River, got beyond the contact of his keeper, and killed there horses on the road, smashed the wagons, and seriously injured two men, who were in the wagons. The elephant was finally captured near Slade's ferry, and taken to Fall River.
1867 - Argued to Death
While a young clerk in the Dexter line company, at Smithfield, Rhode Island, named George Steward, and an elderly man named Lemuel Alexander, were engaged in an angry scuffle on Sunday of last week, the latter suddenly expired from some internal rupture.
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1869 - Married 78 Years
At Smithfield, R.I., Jonathan Buxton, aged 102 years, is living with his wife Saloma, aged 101. This pair of nuptial century-plants have flourished side by side for 78 years, and have nine children living, the oldest being 72 years of age.
Read more about Jonathan BUXTON
1869 - In the towns of Cumberland, Smithfield, Blackstone, and Bellingham, R. I.,
there are seventeen cotton and eight woolen mills, which employ 5,550 hands, run 4,480 looms, and annually use 15,300,000 pounds of cotton. Foundations are now being laid to run 150,000 spindles.
1895 - Smithfield
Smithfield, a township of Providence co., R.I. It contains Allenville, Spragueville, Greenville, Georgiaville, &c. Smithfield Station is on the Providence & Springfield Railroad, 12 1/ 2 miles N.W. of Providence. Pop. of township, 2857.
1906
Smithfield, a post-township (town) of Providence co., R.I., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., about 12 miles NW. of Providence. Pop. in 1900, 2107.
1912 - SUES SENATOR LIPPITT
Smithfield Woman Asks $15,000 Damages - Hurt in House.
Jennie S. Plante of Smithfield filed in the Superior Court yesterday afternoon a suit for $15,000 against Henry F. Lippit of this city, allaging that Mr. Lippit as owner of a house in Georgiaville was negligent in allowing a plank to be so placed as to make the rear exit of the house dangerous, while the steps were removed for the purpose of making repairs and alterations.
Mrs. Plante and her husband became tenants of the house and occupied it on July 25, 1910, she states, and while attempting to use the plank, it slipped and threw her to the ground. She claims to have sustained severe and permanent injuries from the fall. Quinn & Kernan and Waterman & Greenlaw are counsel for the plaintiff.
Jennie S. Plante of Smithfield filed in the Superior Court yesterday afternoon a suit for $15,000 against Henry F. Lippit of this city, allaging that Mr. Lippit as owner of a house in Georgiaville was negligent in allowing a plank to be so placed as to make the rear exit of the house dangerous, while the steps were removed for the purpose of making repairs and alterations.
Mrs. Plante and her husband became tenants of the house and occupied it on July 25, 1910, she states, and while attempting to use the plank, it slipped and threw her to the ground. She claims to have sustained severe and permanent injuries from the fall. Quinn & Kernan and Waterman & Greenlaw are counsel for the plaintiff.
Read more about Susan Jane "Jennie" BAKER
The Ku Klux Klan was active in Smithfield during the 1920s.
Whether you're a resident or just passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Smithfield, Rhode Island:
Bryant University: Start your visit with a stroll around Bryant University's beautiful campus. It's a picturesque location with lovely architecture and landscaped grounds. You can also check out some of the public events and lectures that the university hosts.
Smith-Appleby House Museum: Delve into Smithfield's history by visiting the Smith-Appleby House Museum. This historic house, dating back to the 17th century, provides insights into colonial life. Guided tours are available, giving you a glimpse of what life was like during that period.
Mowry Conservation Area: If you're into hiking and nature, the Mowry Conservation Area is a great spot for some outdoor adventure. There are hiking trails that wind through beautiful wooded areas, making it an excellent place for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike.
Georgiaville Pond: This picturesque pond offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. It's a serene spot to enjoy the outdoors and maybe even catch a...
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Smith-Appleby House Museum: Delve into Smithfield's history by visiting the Smith-Appleby House Museum. This historic house, dating back to the 17th century, provides insights into colonial life. Guided tours are available, giving you a glimpse of what life was like during that period.
Mowry Conservation Area: If you're into hiking and nature, the Mowry Conservation Area is a great spot for some outdoor adventure. There are hiking trails that wind through beautiful wooded areas, making it an excellent place for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike.
Georgiaville Pond: This picturesque pond offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. It's a serene spot to enjoy the outdoors and maybe even catch a...
GENEALOGY IN SMITHFIELD
Discover YOUR Roots: Smithfield Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Smithfield through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
We currently have information about 219 ancestors who were born or died in Smithfield.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
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Updated: 2/4/2025 1:33:41 PM
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