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History of Greenville, Rhode Island, USA
Journey back in time to Greenville, Rhode Island, USA
Explore Greenville, Rhode Island, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to GREENVILLE

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."
Discover Greenville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1822 - Smithfield Exchange Bank built in Greenville
1824 - Temple Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M., was instituted Aug. 24, 1824.
First officers were: W. M., Moses Aldrich; S. W., Reuben Mowry; J. W., Emor Olney; Treas., Thomas R. Eddy; Sec'y Zephaniah Keach. Present membership, one hundred and one. Regular communications, Saturday on or before each full moon, held at Greenville.
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~rigenweb/ articles/238.html
First officers were: W. M., Moses Aldrich; S. W., Reuben Mowry; J. W., Emor Olney; Treas., Thomas R. Eddy; Sec'y Zephaniah Keach. Present membership, one hundred and one. Regular communications, Saturday on or before each full moon, held at Greenville.
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~rigenweb/ articles/238.html
1826 - The first building erected and expressly devoted to public worship, was that known as the Baptist Church in Greenville.
The lower room in the old academy had previously been used for religious purposes, and thus continued until the erection of the church edifice in 1826.
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~rigenweb/ articles/ 238.html
The lower room in the old academy had previously been used for religious purposes, and thus continued until the erection of the church edifice in 1826.
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~rigenweb/ articles/ 238.html
1851 - Saint Thomas Episcopal Church and Rectory built in Greenville
This church is situated at Greenville, and was erected in 1851, on land given by Resolved Waterman. The first meeting of the parish bears date Feb. 5, 1851, but the church was not consecrated until March 9, 1852. Rev. James H. Eames was chosen rector at its organization, and remained until March 8, 1857. The church was built out of funds raised partly upon subscription, and partly from a fund furnished by the diocese. The rectors following the Rev. James H. Eames, have been Revs. Benjamin H. Chase, George A. Coggeshall, Eben Thompson, Edwin C. Sweetland, and others.
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~rigenweb/ articles/ 238.html
This church is situated at Greenville, and was erected in 1851, on land given by Resolved Waterman. The first meeting of the parish bears date Feb. 5, 1851, but the church was not consecrated until March 9, 1852. Rev. James H. Eames was chosen rector at its organization, and remained until March 8, 1857. The church was built out of funds raised partly upon subscription, and partly from a fund furnished by the diocese. The rectors following the Rev. James H. Eames, have been Revs. Benjamin H. Chase, George A. Coggeshall, Eben Thompson, Edwin C. Sweetland, and others.
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~rigenweb/ articles/ 238.html
1851 - Passing Counterfeit Bills
In the Police Court this afternoon, Solomon T. Dolbear was examined upon a charge of passing two counterfeit ten dollar bills, one on the Farmers' Exchange Bank of Gloucester, and the other on the Smithfield Exchange Bank of Greenville, R. I. He was held for trial and on default of bail of $2000?, was committed.
genealogybank.com
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
August 27, 1851
In the Police Court this afternoon, Solomon T. Dolbear was examined upon a charge of passing two counterfeit ten dollar bills, one on the Farmers' Exchange Bank of Gloucester, and the other on the Smithfield Exchange Bank of Greenville, R. I. He was held for trial and on default of bail of $2000?, was committed.
genealogybank.com
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
August 27, 1851
1854 - Greenville
Greenville, a post-village in Providence county, Rhode Island, 12 miles N. W. from Providence, contains a bank.
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.
Greenville, a post-village in Providence county, Rhode Island, 12 miles N. W. from Providence, contains a bank.
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.
1890 - Famous Tree Gone
Another famous tree has fallen before the woodmans axe. It was a huge chestnut, nine feet and four inches in diameter, and stood on the old Elder Winsor Farm, near Greenville, Rhode Island. Its trunk was hollow enough in 1842, during the Dorr rebellion, to contain the arms of the rebels, who hid them there after their defeat at Acote's Hill.
genealogybank.com
Elkhart Daily Review
Elkhart, Indiana
September 13, 1890
Another famous tree has fallen before the woodmans axe. It was a huge chestnut, nine feet and four inches in diameter, and stood on the old Elder Winsor Farm, near Greenville, Rhode Island. Its trunk was hollow enough in 1842, during the Dorr rebellion, to contain the arms of the rebels, who hid them there after their defeat at Acote's Hill.
genealogybank.com
Elkhart Daily Review
Elkhart, Indiana
September 13, 1890
1895 - Greenville
Greenville, a post-village of Providence co., R.I., 8 or 9 miles W.N.W. of Providence. It has a national bank, 3 churches, 2 cotton-mills, and a woollen-mill. Pop. 120.
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
Greenville, a post-village of Providence co., R.I., 8 or 9 miles W.N.W. of Providence. It has a national bank, 3 churches, 2 cotton-mills, and a woollen-mill. Pop. 120.
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
Greenville, a banking post-village of Providence co., R.I., 8 miles WNW. of Providence. It has woollen- and lumber-mills. Pop. about 800.
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
Greenville, a banking post-village of Providence co., R.I., 8 miles WNW. of Providence. It has woollen- and lumber-mills. Pop. about 800.
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
Whether you're a local looking for new things to do or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Greenville and its surrounding areas:
Briarwood Sporting Club: If you're a fan of outdoor activities, head to Briarwood Sporting Club. This private shooting club offers clay shooting, fishing, and hunting opportunities in a beautiful natural setting. It's a great place to test your marksmanship skills or simply enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
Slater Memorial Park: Just a short drive away in nearby Pawtucket, Slater Memorial Park is a fantastic place for outdoor recreation. You can enjoy walking and biking trails, a beautiful pond, a carousel, and even a playground for the kids. The park is also home to the historic Looff Carousel, which is a must-see.
Smith-Appleby House Museum: Immerse yourself in history at the Smith-Appleby House Museum. This historic house, dating back to 1696, offers guided tours that take you back in time to learn about colonial life in Rhode Island. The architecture and artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Geocaching: Greenville and the surrounding areas offer... Read MORE...
Briarwood Sporting Club: If you're a fan of outdoor activities, head to Briarwood Sporting Club. This private shooting club offers clay shooting, fishing, and hunting opportunities in a beautiful natural setting. It's a great place to test your marksmanship skills or simply enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
Slater Memorial Park: Just a short drive away in nearby Pawtucket, Slater Memorial Park is a fantastic place for outdoor recreation. You can enjoy walking and biking trails, a beautiful pond, a carousel, and even a playground for the kids. The park is also home to the historic Looff Carousel, which is a must-see.
Smith-Appleby House Museum: Immerse yourself in history at the Smith-Appleby House Museum. This historic house, dating back to 1696, offers guided tours that take you back in time to learn about colonial life in Rhode Island. The architecture and artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Geocaching: Greenville and the surrounding areas offer... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Greenville Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Greenville, Rhode Island, USA
We currently have information about 51 ancestors who were born or died in Greenville.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Greenville, Rhode Island, USA
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