History of Scituate, Rhode Island, USA

Scituate was first settled in 1710 by emigrants from Scituate, Massachusetts. The original spelling of the town's name was "Satuit", a native Indian word meaning "cold brook" or "cold river." The town was a part of Providence until 1731.

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Foster was incorporated as a separate town in 1781, taking the western half of Scituate.

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In 1788 Scituate representative, militia general and Supreme Court Justice William West led an armed anti-federalist mob of farmers into Providence to protest the U.S. Constitution

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In 1791 the U.S. Supreme Court decided its first case, West v. Barnes, regarding a farm in Scituate.

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1819 - Scituate
Scituate is a considerable post township, situated twelve miles west from Providence; bounded on the north by Gloucester, on the east by Johnston, on the south by Coventry, and on the west by Foster. Its average length from north to south, is about 8 miles, and its average breadth more than 6 miles, comprising an area of about 50 square miles.

The surface is diversified with hills and dales, and some sections are rough and broken. In the west part of the town there is a valuable quarry of freestone, suitable for building, from which large quantities are raised, and transported to Providence and other places at a distance.

The prevailing soil is a primitive gravelly loam, and is best adapted to grazing; and, in general, the land is too rough and rocky for tillage; some grain however is raised.

The agricultural productions consist of Indian corn, oats, barley, potatoes, flax, beef, pork, butter, cheese, and some others...

In 1810, there were in this town 2568 inhabitants;... Read MORE...

1834 - Attempted Bank Robbery
A daring attempt,as we learn from the Providence Journal, was made on the morning of the 21st inst before daylight, to rob the Citizens Union Bank of Scituate, in Rhode Island. The apartment of the dwelling-house in which the cashier and his wife lodging in the second story was entered at the window by means of a ladder, and the pocket book of the Cashier containing $266, was taken from his coat. The cashier's wife awoke and discovering some person in the room, enquired what was wanted? She was answered 'Andrew Jackson wants the Keys of the Bank, keep still and you shall not be hurt.' She immediately awoke her husband, who repeated the question and was answered 'General Jackson wants the keys of the Bank.' Assistance was called, and the villain effected his escape. The object was probably to have obtained the keys of the Bank, without disturbing the family and then to have robbed the Bank, a few rods distant. It is said that the Cashier's wife recognised the robber and at the time... Read MORE...

1839 - Scituate
Scituate, Rhode Island
Providence county. This town was a part of Providence until 1731, when it was incorporated. It lies 12 miles W. by S. from Providence, and, in 1830, had 3,394 inhabitants. The surface of the town is diversified by hills and valleys: in the north part of the town the soil is a gravelly loam, better adapted to grazing than tillage. Pawtuxet river with several of its branches give Scituate a good water power, and large manufactories, particularly of cotton and wool are found on their banks. There is a valuable quarry of free-stone in the western part of the town.
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 - Scituate
Scituate, a township in Providence CO., Rhode Island, 12 miles W. by S. from Providence, contains 1 bank. Population, 4582.
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.

1895 - Scituate
Scituate, a township of Providence co, R.I. Pop. 4101.
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

1906
Scituate, a township (town) of Providence co., R.I. Pop. in 1900, 3361.
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

In 1915, the Rhode Island General Assembly voted to take 14,800 acres (60 km2) of land in Scituate (38% of the town) to create a reservoir to supply fresh water to greater Providence.
This project resulted in the condemnation of "1,195 buildings, including 375 houses, seven schools, six churches, six mills, thirty dairy farms, eleven ice houses, post offices, and an electric railway system, the Providence and Danielson Railway system". The hamlets of Kent, Richmond, Rockland, South Scituate, Ashland, Saundersville, Ponaganset and parts of North Scituate and Clayville disappeared forever.
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2023 - Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Scituate has something to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Scituate, Rhode Island:
Scituate Reservoir: This massive reservoir is a central feature of Scituate, offering breathtaking views and excellent hiking trails. It's a great place for birdwatching, picnicking, and fishing. The reservoir provides drinking water to a significant portion of Rhode Island, making it an essential landmark.

Clayville Historic Site: Explore the historical charm of Clayville, part of Scituate. You can take a self-guided walking tour through this well-preserved 19th-century mill village, complete with old mill buildings and homes.

Briar Point Beach: If you're in the mood for some freshwater swimming, head to Briar Point Beach. It's a serene spot on the Scituate Reservoir with a sandy beach, picnic tables, and a playground.

Scituate Art Festival: If you're visiting in October, don't miss the Scituate Art Festival. It's one of the largest art festivals in the region, featuring local artists, craftsmen, and delicious food vendors.

Stephen Hopkins House: Located in Scituate... Read MORE...