History of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA

1819 - South Kingston
South-Kingston, a post town and seat of justice of the county, is situated 30 miles southwest from Providence; bounded on the north by Exeter and North Kingston, on the east by the Narragansett bay and the Atlantic ocean, on south by the Atlantic, and on the west by Charlestown and Richmond. This is the largest township in the State, being about 11 miles in length, from north to south, and nearly 8 1/ 2 in breadth, from east to west, comprising an area of about 92 square miles.

This is a flourishing agricultural township; it is of a primitive geological character, having generally an uneven surface. The rocks consist of granite and other primitive formations. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, generally strong and fertile. It is adapted to both grazing and a grain culture, affording many excellent dairy farms, and producing good crops of Indian corn, barley, oats and rye. The dairy business constitutes the leading agricultural interest, and is carried on advantageously, and to... Read MORE...

1839 - South Kingston
South Kingston, Rhode Island
Washington county. Chief town. This town was formerly a part of North Kingston and was first settled in 1670. It is the largest town in the State, comprising 98 square miles, and within its limits is the noted Point Judith. It has an uneven surface, a soil of gravelly loam, based on a granite foundation. Large quantities of grain of various kinds and of the productions of the dairy are annually sent to market from this town; also the fleeces of about 7,500 sheep. This town possesses great navigable advantages; its eastern and southern borders being washed by the Atlantic ocean and Narraganset bay. It contains a great number of fresh water ponds, and a large salt pond: one of the fresh water ponds, covers an area of between three and four thousand acres.

The fisheries on the shores and in the ponds of South Kingston are of considerable extent and value. The fish taken are principally bass, alewives, perch and smelts. Some portion of the inhabitants... Read MORE...

1854 - South Kingston
South Kingston, a township in Washington co., Rhode Island, on the Stonington and Providence railroad, 22 miles S. from Providence, contains 1 bank. Population, 3807.
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 - South Kingston
South Kings’ton, a township of Washington co., R.I. Pop. 5114
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
South Kingston, a township (town) of Washington CO., R.I. Pop. in 1900, 4972.
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

1926 - BOILER OF FREIGHT ENGINE EXPLODED
By Associated Press.
Kingston, R. I., June 26. - Three railroad employees were killed today when the boiler of a locomotive hauling 60 cars exploded while passing over marshland near here. The wreckage of the freight train was thrown into the passenger tracks and few minutes later the New York, New Haven and Hartford's "Cape Cod Train" from New York for Cape Cod points crashed into the wreckage. The locomotive of the passenger train was thrown from the rails and the first car dived into the swamps.

Several passengers were slightly injured. That none was seriously injured is believed to have been due to the fact that none of the upper berths on the Flyer was occupied. The train which runs only on Saturday mornings, was making its first trip of the season.

The dead:

WILLIAM MOULTON, Roslindale, Mass., engineer of the freight train.
GEORGE HATHAWAY, New Bedford, Mass., fireman of the freight train.
JAMES J. MULVANEY, of Providence, a spare man employed by the Providence ... Read MORE...

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in South Kingstown:
East Matunuck State Beach: South Kingstown boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Rhode Island, and East Matunuck is a prime example. Spend your day sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the stunning ocean views.

Narragansett Town Beach: This nearby beach is another great option for those seeking sun and sand. It's a popular spot for surfing and features a bustling boardwalk with restaurants and shops.

Matunuck Oyster Bar: Enjoy some of the freshest seafood around at Matunuck Oyster Bar. They serve delicious oysters harvested from their own farm, along with other mouthwatering dishes. The scenic waterfront setting is a bonus.

The Contemporary Theater Company: Catch a play or a live performance at this local theater company. They offer a diverse range of shows, from classic plays to contemporary works, providing an entertaining evening for theater enthusiasts.

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge: Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to this serene wildlife refuge.... Read MORE...