History of Glocester, Rhode Island, USA

1819 - Gloucester
Gloucester is a post township, situated 16 miles from Providence; bounded on the north by Burrellville, on the east by Smithfield, on the south by Scituate and Foster, and on the wast by the State of Connecticut.

The township has an average length of 12 miles, and a mean breadth of 5 miles, comprising an area of about 60 square miles.

The surface is generally uneven, and some sections rough and broken, being hilly and rocky. The forests are extensive and valuable, affording great supplies of timber for ship building and other uses. The grazing business constitutes the principal agricultural interest; but some grain is raised, and there are many excellent orchards...

A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... : with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819

1839 - Gloucester
Gloucester [Glocester], Rhode Island
Providence county. This large and respectable manufacturing town lies 16 miles W.S.W. from Providence and 50 E. by N. from Hartford. First settled, 1700. Incorporated, 1730. The surface of the town is somewhat broken by hills, but the soil is well adapted to agricultural purposes, particularly to grazing. Gloucester furnishes large supplies of various products for market. There are fine forests in several parts of the town, and large quantities of ship and other timber are conveyed to Providence and other places. The Chepachet and some smaller streams give Gloucester a good water power. Manufacturing establishments are very numerous, and Gloucester yields to but few towns in New England in the value of this branch of industry, particularly in the manufacture of cotton. Population, 1830, 2,522.
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

1841 - THE LAST SOLDIER GONE!
Departed this life at Thompson, Connecticut, on the 12th ult., Mr. Ezekiel Blackmarr, in the 99th year of his age. He was the son of James Blackmarr, and born in Gloucester, Rhode Island, in August, 1742. Seventy-nine years ago last May, he enlisted as a private in the troops raised in the British colonies to take the island of Cuba, under the Earl of Albemarle and Admiral Pocock, in a regiment commanded by Colonel Israel Putnam. He was in Captain John Spaulding's company, of Plainfield; Lieut. Smith and Ensign Pennuel Hutchins, of Killingly. General Lyman of Springfield, or Northampton, was Col. Putnam's superior officer. He was without doubt the last surviving soldier at the taking of the Moro Castle, and the oldest in service on the rolls of King George the Third. He sustained through life the character of an hones, upright citizen, and retained to the last, in a great degree, his bodily and mental powers.
The Sun
Baltimore, Maryland
July 17, 1841

1854 - Gloucester
Gloucester a township of Providence co., Rhode Island, 15 miles W. by N. from Providence. Population, 2872.
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.

1859
GLOUCESTER, a township in Providence do., in Rhode island, 16 m. WSW of Providence. Pop. 2,304.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1878 - History of Glocester
GLOCESTER.

This town is situated in the northwestern part of the State, and bounded as follows: On the north by Burrillville; on the east by North Smithfield and Smithfield; on the south by Scituate and Foster, and on the west by the State of Connecticut. The average length is about twelve miles and its average width five miles, comprising an area of some sixty square miles. Its surface is rolling, and in many sections rough and rocky.

The principal agricultural products are hay, corn, potatoes, oats, rye, beef, and pork. Fruit is grown to some extent. Much of the primitive forest has been cut away, which afforded great supplies of ship-timber and building material. What remains is valuable, and large quantities are manufactured into coal, which forms a considerable commercial product. The principal stream is the Chepachet River, upon which is located an important and interesting village, which is the business centre of the town. Here most of the mercantile and... Read MORE...

1895 - Glocester / Harmony / Chepachet
Glocester, Glöster, a township of Providence co, R.I., bounded W. by the Connecticut line. Pop. 2098. It contains Harmony and Chepachet.
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
Glocester, a township (town) of Providence co., R.I., bounded W. by the Connecticut boundary-line. Pop. in 1900, 1462.
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

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Glocester:
Outdoor Adventures:

George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge:

Explore over 860 acres of pristine woodlands with hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Ponaganset Reservoir:

Enjoy a day of fishing or kayaking on the tranquil waters of Ponaganset Reservoir.

Glocester Town Beach:

Relax by the beach, have a picnic, or take a refreshing swim in Echo Lake.

Snake Den State Park:

Hike the scenic trails of Snake Den State Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Historic Sites:

Sprague Mansion:

Step back in time by visiting this historic mansion, known for its beautiful architecture and gardens.

Captain Stephen Olney House:

Explore this well-preserved colonial-era house and learn about Glocester's history.

Local Eateries:

Cook & Dagger Restaurant:

Savor delicious American and Irish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at this popular local spot.

The Country Inn:

Enjoy a hearty meal in a charming, historic setting at The... Read MORE...