Scituate, Rhode Island, USA (North Scituate)
1819 - Scituate

Scituate is a considerable post township, situated twelve miles west from Providence; bounded on the north by Gloucester, on the east by Johnston, on the south by Coventry, and on the west by Foster. Its average length from north to south, is about 8 miles, and its average breadth more than 6 miles, comprising an area of about 50 square miles.

The surface is diversified with hills and dales, and some sections are rough and broken. In the west part of the town there is a valuable quarry of freestone, suitable for building, from which large quantities are raised, and transported to Providence and other places at a distance.

The prevailing soil is a primitive gravelly loam, and is best adapted to grazing; and, in general, the land is too rough and rocky for tillage; some grain however is raised.

The agricultural productions consist of Indian corn, oats, barley, potatoes, flax, beef, pork, butter, cheese, and some others...

In 1810, there were in this town 2568 inhabitants; and there are about 400 Dwelling houses; about 420 Freemen or Electors; and five companies of Infantry and one company of Cavalry, of Militia.

The amount of taxable property as assessed by the United States in 1815, was $653,890.

Scituate claims a respectable rank among the manufacturing towns in the State. There are four Cotton Factories and one Woolen Factory here. There are also two Clothiers' works and nine Grain Mills. There are five mercantile Stores and one incorporated Bank.

There are two religious Societies, one of Baptists and one of Friends, seven primary schools, and an Academy is about to be established, the building for which is now erecting, and two Social Libraries.

This town belonged, at an early period, to Providence; and was incorporated as a separate town in the year 1731.

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



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