Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA
1819 - Jamestown

Jamestown is an insulated township, situated on Connanicut Island, in Narragansett bay, about 3 miles west of Newport, and 30 south of Providence. Jamestown includes the whole of Connanicut Island, and is about 8 miles in length, from north to south, and has a mean breadth, from east to west, of nearly one mile, comprising about 8 square miles.

The geological structure and rocks of the island are similar to those of Rhode-Island. The soil is a rich loam, and peculiarly adapted to grazing. It is likewise productive in grain, especially barley and Indian corn. The agricultural interests, which occupy almost exclusively the attention of the inhabitants, consist primarily in the various objects connected with the grazing business, and the cultivation of barley and Indian corn. Considerable attention has been bestowed heretofore upon the raising of sheep, on this island; but this at present is an object less attended to. The concerns and interests of husbandry in general exhibit a flourishing aspect, the inhabitants being industrious, economical and preserving agriculturalists.

The town is accommodated with two ferries, one to Newport and the other to South-Kingston; and the principal road extends across the island, communicating with these ferries. At the southern extremity of the Island, at a place called Beaver tail, stands a light-house.

The population of the island, at the last census, in 1810, was 504; and there are about 60 or 70 Dwelling-houses, 1 Religious Society and Church, 2 or 3 Schools and School-houses, 50 or 60 Electors, 1 Grain Mill, and 1 company of Militia.

This town sends two representatives to the General Assembly.

The island was purchased of the Indians, as early as 1657, and Jamestown was incorporated in 1678.

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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