History of Cranston, Rhode Island, USA

The Town of Cranston was created in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River.

wikipedia.org

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... Read MORE...

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.
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 - 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.
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.

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.
The Indiana Progress
Indiana, Pennsylvania
September 4, 1889

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.
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

1896 - Joseph Shovenor, 6 years old, was drowned at Cranston, R. I.

North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
February 10, 1896

1896 - September 7 - A H Whiting wins 1st automobile race held on a closed-circuit track in Cranston, RI

historyorb.com

After losing much of its territory to neighboring towns and the city of Providence, Cranston itself became a city on 10 March 1910.

wikipedia.org

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.
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 - 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... Read MORE...