History of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA

1819 - East Greenwich
East-Greenwich is a post township and seat of justice of the county, situated upon the western shore of the Narragansett bay, 13 miles south of Providence; bounded northerly on Warwick, easterly on the Narragansett bay, southerly on North-Kingston, and westerly on West-Greenwich. The township contains an average length of 6 miles, and an average breadth of 4 miles, comprising an area of about 24 square miles.

The surface is uneven, and in some sections rather rough and stony, being of primitive geological character. No minerals have been discovered. The soil, which is a primitive gravelly loam, is considerably fertile, affording good grazing, Indian corn, barley and potatoes. Rye is also raised, but is a less certain crop. There are numerous orchards in the town; and it has been distinguished for the excellent quality of its cider.

The natural growth of timber is deciduous; and although there are no considerable forests in the town, yet there is a supply of oak and chestnut... Read MORE...

1839 - East Greenwich
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Shire town of Kent county. This town was incorporated in 1677 and is pleasantly located on Narraganset bay, 13 miles S. from Providence, and comprises an excellent harbor for ships of 500 tons burthen. A number of vessels are owned here, and the coasting trade and fisheries give employment to many of the inhabitants. The town is watered by Maskachug and Hunt's rivers, on which are cotton mills and other manufactories. The soil of the town is rather rough and stony, but it yields good crops of corn, barley and potatoes. East Greenwich is noted for excellent fruit and cider.

The "Kentish Guards" was established here in 1774, and proved a nursery of distinguished officers, of which the celebrated General Nathaniel Greene was one. Across the bay to Bristol is about 8 miles. Population, 1830, 1,591.
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 - East Greenwich
East Greenwich, capital of Kent county, R. I., on the E. side of Narraganset bay, on the Stonington and Providence railroad, 14 miles S. by W. from Providence. It has a fine harbor, and contains the county buildings, 2 banks, 3 or 4 churches, and several stores. The industry of the inhabitants is chiefly devoted to manufacturing, the fisheries, and the coast trade. Pop. of the township, 2358.
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 - East Greenwich
East Greenwich, a post-village, capital of Kent co., R.I., is in East Greenwich township, on the W. side of Narragansett Bay, and on the Stonington & Providence Railroad, 14 miles S. of Providence, and 14 miles by water N.N.W. of Newport. It has 7 churches, a national bank, a savings bank, a newspaper office, a cotton-mill, and bleach-works. Here is a Methodist school called the East Greenwich Academy. The township has 10 churches. Pop. of the town ship, 3127; of the village, about 2801.
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

1907 - GIRLS FACE DEATH BY EXPLOSION
Hurled from Their Beds Into Cellar of an Academy Dormitory.

FIRE HEMS THEM IN NEAR DEATH

Panic Results and Many Fatalities are Narrowly Averted at Fast Greenwich, Rhode Island

East Greenwich, R. I., Nov 13. – Two girl students are dying and a third was painfully injured and many narrow escapes from death in a boiler explosion and fire in the Greenwich Academy’s new Eastman dormitory, early today.

The terrific blast tore out the entire end of the building in which the girls were sleeping. Many of the girls were thrown from their beds by the shock.

Flames burst so quickly from the debris that several were unable to escape down the blazing stairways and were forced to leap from second-story windows. All were in their nightclothes, and a number fell unconscious from terror and exposure to the chilling wind.

The injured: Miss Florence Bissell, 16, East Hartford, Conn., cut, bruised and internally injured, dying; Miss Hester Gould, 16, Hartford, Conn., internally injured,... Read MORE...

1916
Fast Greenwich, a banking post-village, capital of Kent CO., R.I., is in East Greenwich township (town), on the W. side of Narragansett Bay and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 14 miles S. of Providence and 14 miles by water NNW. of Newport. It has cotton- and woollen-mills, print-works, bleacheries, etc. Here is the East Greenwich Academy. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2775.
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

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in East Greenwich:
Main Street Stroll: Start your visit with a leisurely walk along Main Street. This historic downtown area is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Explore the quaint shops, grab a coffee, and soak in the small-town charm.

God's Little Acre: This beautiful park along Greenwich Cove offers walking trails, benches, and a peaceful waterfront view. It's a perfect spot for a picnic, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty.

Historic New England: Visit the historic Varnum House Museum, built in 1773. It's a fascinating glimpse into the town's colonial past and is part of the East Greenwich Historic District.

East Greenwich Free Library: If you're a book lover, you'll appreciate a visit to the East Greenwich Free Library. It's a welcoming space to read, study, or check out the local history section.

Dining Delights: East Greenwich boasts a diverse culinary scene. Some popular dining spots include Greenwich Oyster Bar, Besos Kitchen and Cocktails, and Jigger's... Read MORE...