History of Little Compton, Rhode Island, USA

1674 - First European settlers arrive in Little Compton from Duxbury, Massachusetts.
The first European settlers in Little Compton were Englishmen from Duxbury, Massachusetts in the Plymouth Colony who sought to expand their land holdings. After first attempting negotiations with Awashonks, they petitioned the Plymouth Colony, which granted them their charter. In a series of lotteries beginning in 1674 and ending in the early 1680s, they divided the land in Little Compton into lots of standard sizes and began settling there.
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In 1682, Sakonnet was incorporated by the Plymouth Colony and renamed Little Compton.

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By 1747, Little Compton secured its own royal decree and was annexed to Newport County as a part of Rhode Island along with Tiverton and Bristol.

wikipedia.org

1819 - Little-Compton
Little-Compton is a wealthy maritime and agricultural township, situated in the southeastern extremity of the county and State, 30 miles southeast of Providence; bounded on the north by Tiverton, on the east by the State of Massachusetts, on the south by the Atlantic ocean, and on the west by the east passage of the Narragansett bay. The average length of the township, from north to south, is about 7 miles, and its mean breadth, from east to west, is 4 miles, comprising an area of about 28 square miles.

The form of the southern section of the township is that of a peninsula, inclining to a point. The surface is pleasantly diversified. The soil is a deep loam, rich in agricultural resources, and the means of wealth derived from this branch of industry.

The agricultural productions are abundant, and consist of the various articles common to this region. The town is one of the most flourishing agricultural districts in the State. Barley constitutes a staple production, large... Read MORE...

1829 - Attempted Murder
Hesekiah Willibor, of Little Compton, Rhode Island, has been tried at Newport for an attempt to commit murder, found guilty, and sentenced to pay $50, and be imprisoned 3 months. Willibor had paid his addresses to a young woman, but having been discarded, he had been heard to utter threats of revenge, and soon after this a gun was discharged into the chamber in which she slept, and the ball struck within two feet of her head. The evidence against him was altogether circumstantial.
genealogybank.com
Baltimore Gazette and Daily Advertiser
Baltimore, Maryland
April 30, 1829

1839 - Little Compton
Little Compton, Rhode Island
Newport county. This very pleasant town, the Indian Seaconnet, lies on the ocean at the eastern entrance into Narraganset bay, 9 miles E. by N. from Newport, 30 S.S.E. from Providence, and 12 S. from Fall River, Mass. The soil of the town is uncommonly fertile, and being cultivated by an industrious class of men, is very productive of corn and other grain; beef, pork, butter, cheese, and wool.

Seaconnet Rocks, at the southeastern extremity of the town, where a break-water has been erected by the government, is well known to sailors, and memorable as the place where a treaty was made between the English and the Queen of the powerful Seaconnet tribe in 1674. That tribe is now extinct: Seaconnet Rocks is their only monument.

Little Compton is becoming celebrated as a place of resort, in summer months, for sea air and bathing; and very justly so, for very few parts of our coast exhibit a more interesting location.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Little Compton
Little Compton, a post-township of Newport co., Rhode Island, on the Atlantic, 30 miles S. S. E. from Providence. Pop., 1462.
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.

Sakonnet Light, built in 1884, is a sparkplug lighthouse near Sakonnet Point, Little Compton, Rhode Island, on the eastern side of the state.

wikipedia.org

1895 - Little Compton / Adamsville
"Little Compton, a post-township of Newport co. R.I. is on the Atlantic Ocean, about 7 miles E. of Newport. It is the S.E. extremity of the state. It has a fertile soil, and a valuable fishery at Seaconnet Point. Pop. 1156."

"Adamsville, a post-hamlet of Newport co., R.I., in Little Compton, about 12 miles S. of Fall River. Pop. 100."
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
Little Compton, a post-township (town) of Newport co., R.I., is on the Atlantic Ocean, about 7 miles E. of Newport. It is the SE. extremity of the state. Pop. in 1900, 1132 ; of the village, about 700.
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 resident or a visitor, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Little Compton to make the most of your time in this lovely town. Here's a list to get you started:
South Shore Beach: Start your visit by heading to South Shore Beach. This beautiful sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking, and it's a great place to relax.

Goosewing Beach Preserve: Another fantastic beach option is Goosewing Beach Preserve. It offers a more natural and rugged experience with its coastal dunes and hiking trails. It's a great spot for birdwatching and taking long walks.

Sakonnet Point: This is a must-visit spot for its scenic beauty and historical significance. You can take a leisurely walk along the shoreline and enjoy the stunning views of the Sakonnet River and the Atlantic Ocean. Don't forget to visit the Sakonnet Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since the 1800s.

The Commons: The heart of Little Compton, The Commons is a beautiful historic district with a quaint New England village feel. Stroll along Main Road and explore the charming shops, galleries, and historic... Read MORE...