East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA
1819 - East Greenwich

East-Greenwich is a post township and seat of justice of the county, situated upon the western shore of the Narragansett bay, 13 miles south of Providence; bounded northerly on Warwick, easterly on the Narragansett bay, southerly on North-Kingston, and westerly on West-Greenwich. The township contains an average length of 6 miles, and an average breadth of 4 miles, comprising an area of about 24 square miles.

The surface is uneven, and in some sections rather rough and stony, being of primitive geological character. No minerals have been discovered. The soil, which is a primitive gravelly loam, is considerably fertile, affording good grazing, Indian corn, barley and potatoes. Rye is also raised, but is a less certain crop. There are numerous orchards in the town; and it has been distinguished for the excellent quality of its cider.

The natural growth of timber is deciduous; and although there are no considerable forests in the town, yet there is a supply of oak and chestnut timber for fuel, fencing, building and other uses...

In 1774, there were 1663 inhabitants in the town; and in 1810, 1539; and it contains about 210 Dwelling-houses, 220 Electors, and 2 companies of Militia, besides one chartered company, called the "Kentish Guards." This company was established in the year 1774, and proved a nursery of officers in the war of the Revolution; having furnished, during that memorable contest, one Major-General, one Brigadier-General, three Colonels, one Major, and no less than thirty subordinate officers. The Major-General was Nathaniel Green, one of the most distinguished officers in the revolutionary war. The Brigadier-General was James M. Varnum; the Colonels, Christopher Green, Archibald Crary, and Adam Comstock; and the Major, John S. Dexter.

The taxable property of the town is $263,158.

There are 6 Ware-houses and 20 Retail Stores in the town.

There are 4 Religious Societies; two of Baptists, one of Congregationalists and one of Friends, and three Churches. There are five Schools, besides the Academy, and one Social Library.

This town was incorporated in 1677, and had been settled but a few years at that period.

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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