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History of Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Journey back in time to Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Also known as(Pawtuxet) (Fiskeville) (Mashantatack) (Howard)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Cranston, Rhode Island, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Cranston
Cranston, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Many Italian-Americans in Cranston are descended from immigrants of Itri, Italy who settled mainly in the Knightsville section of Cranston during the early 1900s. wikipedia
Mashantatack is located on the cusp between the Narragansett Lowlands and New England Uplands (now part of Cranston). (From JACOB CLARKE DEEDS MASHANTATACK (INDIAN LAND) TO SON JOHN 1728 worthpoint.com)
Howard was originally a farming hamlet in the southern part of Cranston, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island State Prison was built there in 1878.
Many Italian-Americans in Cranston are descended from immigrants of Itri, Italy who settled mainly in the Knightsville section of Cranston during the early 1900s. wikipedia
Mashantatack is located on the cusp between the Narragansett Lowlands and New England Uplands (now part of Cranston). (From JACOB CLARKE DEEDS MASHANTATACK (INDIAN LAND) TO SON JOHN 1728 worthpoint.com)
Howard was originally a farming hamlet in the southern part of Cranston, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island State Prison was built there in 1878.
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VINTAGE CRANSTON
Cranston Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Fiskeville) (Mashantatack) (Howard) - Cranston Print Works, Cranston, R.I.){kind=small}
Cranston Print Works, Cranston, R.I.
Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Fiskeville) (Mashantatack) (Howard) - State Almshouse, Cranston, Providence, R. I.){kind=small}
State Almshouse, Cranston, Providence, R. I.
Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Fiskeville) (Mashantatack) (Howard) - Narragansett Brewing Company){kind=small}
Narragansett Brewing Company
Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Postcard
 (Fiskeville) (Mashantatack) (Howard) - Narragansett Brewery){kind=small}
Narragansett Brewery
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to CRANSTON
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."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Cranston: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Cranston through the years.
The Town of Cranston was created in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River.
1819 - Cranston
Cranston is a township situated about five miles southwesterly from Providence; bounded northerly on Providence and Johnston, easterly on Providence river, southerly on Pawtucket river and the town of Warwick, and westerly on the town of Scituate. This township is about 7 miles in length, and about 4 and a half in breadth; containing aobut 19,448 acres.
The western section of the town is uneven, but the eastern section is generally level. The soil in the former is a moist loam; that of the western part of the latter, being the central part of the township, is rich and fertile, but the eastern part is light, and inclining to a siliceous sand. There is a mine of iron ore in this town, of an excellent quality for casting. Formerly, large quantities were raised, for the Hope furnace; and from this ore, many of the cannon in our navy were cast; particularly those used upon Lake Erie by the gallant Perry. The metal of Rhode Island, was proved by the battle of Lake Erie to be of an...
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The western section of the town is uneven, but the eastern section is generally level. The soil in the former is a moist loam; that of the western part of the latter, being the central part of the township, is rich and fertile, but the eastern part is light, and inclining to a siliceous sand. There is a mine of iron ore in this town, of an excellent quality for casting. Formerly, large quantities were raised, for the Hope furnace; and from this ore, many of the cannon in our navy were cast; particularly those used upon Lake Erie by the gallant Perry. The metal of Rhode Island, was proved by the battle of Lake Erie to be of an...
1839 - Cranston
Cranston, Rhode Island
Providence county. The soil of this town is more favorable for the production of fruits and vegetables than for grain. Some parts of the town are very fertile, but considerable of the land is rough and uneven. Providence market is supplied with a considerable amount of the products of the town. The manufacture of cotton is very extensively pursued. The water power of the Pawtuxet and Powchasset are constant and abundant. Cranston is a very pleasant town, and its proximity to Providence (only five miles south west) gives it peculiar privileges. Population, 1830, 2,653.
Providence county. The soil of this town is more favorable for the production of fruits and vegetables than for grain. Some parts of the town are very fertile, but considerable of the land is rough and uneven. Providence market is supplied with a considerable amount of the products of the town. The manufacture of cotton is very extensively pursued. The water power of the Pawtuxet and Powchasset are constant and abundant. Cranston is a very pleasant town, and its proximity to Providence (only five miles south west) gives it peculiar privileges. Population, 1830, 2,653.
1854 - Cranston
Cranston, a township of Providence county, Rhode Island, 6 miles S. W. from Providence. The village contains one bank and several stores. Population, 4311.
1889 - The Spring Lake reservoir, near Fiskville, in the southwest corner of Cranston, about 15 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, which supplies a whole row of mill villages, burst.
Three persons were drowned and some damage done.
1895 - Cranston
Crans’ton, a township of Providence co., R.I., on the W. of Narragansett Bay, contains various manufacturing villages, and is traversed by the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill and Providence & Stonington Railroads. P. 5088.
1896 - Joseph Shovenor, 6 years old, was drowned at Cranston, R. I.
1896 - September 7 - A H Whiting wins 1st automobile race held on a closed-circuit track in Cranston, RI
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After losing much of its territory to neighboring towns and the city of Providence, Cranston itself became a city on 10 March 1910.
1916
Cranston, a post-village of Providence co., R.I., in Cranston township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 4 miles SW. of Providence. It has manufactures of prints, calicos, etc. Pop. about 2000.
Whether you're a resident looking for something new to explore or a visitor passing through, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Cranston. Here's a list to get you started:
Roger Williams Park: This sprawling park is a gem of Cranston and offers a wide range of activities. You can explore the beautiful gardens, visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo, take a paddleboat ride on the pond, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Garden City Center: If you're in the mood for shopping and dining, Garden City Center is the place to be. This outdoor shopping complex boasts a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great spot for a day of retail therapy or a delicious meal.
Pawtuxet Village: Located on the banks of the Pawtuxet River, this historic village is a picturesque area with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stroll along the waterfront and take in the scenic views.
Mulligan's Island Mini Golf: If you're looking for family-friendly fun, head to Mulligan's Island. They offer not only a fantastic mini-golf course but also a driving range, batting cages, and even a water park during the summer months.
Cranston Street Armory: History...
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Garden City Center: If you're in the mood for shopping and dining, Garden City Center is the place to be. This outdoor shopping complex boasts a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great spot for a day of retail therapy or a delicious meal.
Pawtuxet Village: Located on the banks of the Pawtuxet River, this historic village is a picturesque area with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stroll along the waterfront and take in the scenic views.
Mulligan's Island Mini Golf: If you're looking for family-friendly fun, head to Mulligan's Island. They offer not only a fantastic mini-golf course but also a driving range, batting cages, and even a water park during the summer months.
Cranston Street Armory: History...
GENEALOGY IN CRANSTON
Discover YOUR Roots: Cranston Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Cranston through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
We currently have information about 522 ancestors who were born or died in Cranston.
View ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
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View married ancestorsCEMETERIES
Ancestors buried in Cranston - Cemeteries in Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
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Updated: 1/29/2025 12:23:25 PM
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