Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA (Esmond) (Georgiaville) (Stillwater)
1819 - Smithfield

Smithfield is a large and flourishing post township, situated nine miles northwest of Providence; bounded northeasterly by Blackstone or Pawtucket river, which divides it principally from Cumberland, northerly by the State of Massachusetts, westerly by Burrellvile and Gloucester, south and southeasterly by Johnston and N. Providence.

The average length of the township is about 10 miles, with a mean breadth of 6 miles, comprising an area of 60 square miles.

This township has generally and undulating surface, presenting an ... and gentle declivities; ... some sections it is considerably rough and broken. Its geological structure comprises numerous calcareous strata. In these strata, four quarries have been opened, and large quantities of limestone raised, which has been manufactured into lime. It has been estimated that from 40 to 50,000 casks have been made annually, the principal part of which is exported to the southern States for a market. One of these quarries affords limestone of a peculiar character; the lime made of which is of the very best quality, and commands an extra price. This stone also makes good cement. The manufacture of lime is and important and extensive business, and affords employment to a great number of persons. There is also a quarry of white stone at what is called Woonsoquett hill, that sustains heat remarkably well, which renders it very valuable for furnace hearths; for which purpose it has been transported by land from 50 to 60 miles. About two miles distant from this, there is a quarry, containing excellent whetstones, for edge tools. Large quantities area annually wrought into a suitable shape for that use, are transported into various parts of the Union, and are in high estimation.

The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, with some sections of a calcareous loam. It is generally rich and fertile, although in some places it has been reduced by an exhausting system of cultivation. The lands are generally warm, and favourable for most kinds of vegetation. There are, however, some low and marshy tracts, which are generally appropriated to mowing, and afford good crops of grass. The forests are not extensive, but are sufficient to supply the inhabitants with fuel and timber, and for the consumption occasioned by the lime manufactories, which afford a considerable market for this article.

The agricultural productions consist of various articles common to the climate; Indian corn, rye, some wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, some flax, beef, pork, butter, cheese, apples, cider and hay.

But few of these productions form articles of exportation. Considerable quantities, however, of potatoes, cider, apples and hay are sent to the southern markets. The agricultural interests of the town are not very flourishing, considering the natural resources of the soil; the industry of the inhabitants being in some measure diverted from agriculture by the extensive cotton manufactories, and the attention that is paid to the lime business, which constitutes an important interest...

The population of Smithfield in 1810, was 3828; and there are about 500 Electors, more than 500 Dwelling houses, 5 companies of Militia, and 2 chartered companies.

The town is well supplied with schools, there being 20 regular schools, which are provided with suitable houses, and are maintained nearly through the year. Besides which, there are several schools kept in the winter season in private houses. There are also two Academies; and another has recently been incorporated. There are 4 Religious Societies; one of Friends or Quakers, which is the largest, one of Baptists, one of Methodists and one of Christians; and there are four churches, two of which belong to the society of Friends. There are four Social Libraries.

There is a remarkable fall of water upon the Pawtucket river, called Woonsoquett falls, which is considered as quite a curiosity. The fall is about 20 feet, is not perpendicular, but over a precipice of rocks for some distance. The fall of the water upon these rocks through a succession of ages, has occasioned numerous excavations, all of which are smooth and circular, and some of them very large, being sufficient to contain several hogsheads.

The taxable property of the town, bu the United States assessment of 1815, was $830,960.

Smithfield belonged originally to the town of Providence, and was settled about the same time, but was not incorporated as a town, until 1730.


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



Visit Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA (Esmond) (Georgiaville) (Stillwater)
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.