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History of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Journey back in time to North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Also known as(Forestdale) (Slatersville)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About North Smithfield
North Smithfield, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
North Smithfield was settled as a farming community in 1666 and incorporated into its present form in 1871. North Smithfield includes the historic villages of Forestdale, Primrose, Waterford, Branch Village, Union Village, Park Square, and Slatersville. kids.kiddle.co
North Smithfield was settled as a farming community in 1666 and incorporated into its present form in 1871. North Smithfield includes the historic villages of Forestdale, Primrose, Waterford, Branch Village, Union Village, Park Square, and Slatersville. kids.kiddle.co
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VINTAGE NORTH SMITHFIELD
North Smithfield Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Main Street, Slatersville, R.I.){kind=small}
Main Street, Slatersville, R.I.
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - School St., Slatersville, 1906){kind=small}
School St., Slatersville, 1906
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - St. John's Church and Rectory, Slatersvillel, R.I., 1906){kind=small}
St. John's Church and Rectory, Slatersvillel, R.I., 1906
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Railroad Street, Slatersville, R. I. (1910)){kind=small}
Railroad Street, Slatersville, R. I. (1910)
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Slatersville Train Station){kind=small}
Slatersville Train Station
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Arch Bridge, Showing Slatersville Mill, Slatersville, R.I.){kind=small}
Arch Bridge, Showing Slatersville Mill, Slatersville, R.I.
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North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Main Street, Showing Bank and Post Office, Slatersville, R.I.){kind=small}
Main Street, Showing Bank and Post Office, Slatersville, R.I.
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Cong Church and Common, Slatersville, R.I.){kind=small}
Cong Church and Common, Slatersville, R.I.
North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Slatersville) - Slatersville Common, North Smithfield, Rhode Island){kind=small}
Slatersville Common, North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to NORTH 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 North Smithfield: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped North Smithfield through the years.
The village of Slatersville was largely built by Samuel Slater and his brother John Slater beginning in 1803.
Read more about Samuel SLATER
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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1906
North Smithfield, a township (town) of Providence co., R.I. Pop. in 1900, 2422.
1921 - Town Hall built
The North Smithfield Town Hall was built in 1921 on land donated by Henry Kendall.
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...
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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...
GENEALOGY IN NORTH SMITHFIELD
Discover YOUR Roots: North Smithfield Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to North Smithfield through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
We currently have information about 46 ancestors who were born or died in North Smithfield.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in North Smithfield.
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Updated: 9/17/2023 11:46:46 AM
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