History of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA

The village of Slatersville was largely built by Samuel Slater and his brother John Slater beginning in 1803.

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1807 - opening of the Slater Mill and the establishment of the village of Slatersville, in the town of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, in July 1807.
...Slatersville's claim for being the "first planned industrial village in the United States" is unchallenged. It all began here...
www.nsmithfieldri.org/ visitors/ history-of-slatersville/

1821 - Western Mills built
In 1821, the Slaters built an eight building mill complex, known as the Western Mills, on the western side of Railroad Street.
www.nsmithfieldri.org/ visitors/ historic-walking-tour/

1826 - Slatersville Mill burns
The original Slatersville Mill, built in 1807, burned down in 1826 and was replaced by the current mill, known as the Center Mill or the #1 Mill. It is a four story building with a five story stair tower.
www.nsmithfieldri.org/ visitors/ historic-walking-tour/

1871 - North Smithfield incorporated
In the 17th century British colonists settled in North Smithfield and developed a farming community named after a small town in Smithfield, England. Our town was part of Smithfield, RI until it was incorporated as North Smithfield in 1871.
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1889 - The Whole Party Drowned.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Wellington Hart, of North Smithfield, and R. A. Smith of Monegan, well known farmer, each sixty years of age, started to drive home from Woonsocket about nightfall, on Saturday, in Smith's wagon, after spending the day in town. The barway leading from the road at the turn was open and the horse evidently entered it without their knowledge. The day following the horse was found dead in a small pond near the North Smithfield line and the wagon capsized with the two old men drowned beneath it.
The Carthage Blade
Carthage, North Carolina
December 5, 1889

1895 - North Smithfield
North Smith'field, a township of Providence co., R.I. Pop. 2797. It contains Branch Village, Forestdale, Slatersville, Waterford, and a part of Blackstone.
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

1899 - SLATERVILLE MILLS CLOSED
Woonsocket, R. I., April 9. - The Slate cotton mills at Slaterville, North Smithfield, has been shut down as the result of the strike of 150 weavers for an increase of wages. The striking weavers and others have formed a branch of the Socialist Trade and Labor Alliance. The strikers announce that they will stay out unless their demands are complied with.
The Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
April 10, 1899

1906
North Smithfield, a township (town) of Providence co., R.I. Pop. in 1900, 2422.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1921 - Town Hall built
The North Smithfield Town Hall was built in 1921 on land donated by Henry Kendall.
www.nsmithfieldri.org/ visitors/ historic-walking-tour/

Whether you're a local looking for new activities or a visitor passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in North Smithfield:
Slatersville Historic District: Start your exploration of North Smithfield with a visit to the Slatersville Historic District. It's the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, and you can stroll through this well-preserved area, admiring the beautiful old mill buildings, the Slatersville Congregational Church, and the picturesque Slatersville Green.

Lincoln Woods State Park: Just a short drive away from North Smithfield, this state park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can go hiking on the various trails, have a picnic by the pond, or enjoy a swim in the summer months. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Museum of Work and Culture: Located in nearby Woonsocket, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Industrial Revolution in Rhode Island. You'll learn about the lives of mill workers, the cultural diversity of the region, and the impact of industry on the community.

Go Apple Picking: Rhode Island is known for its apple... Read MORE...