National Register Listings in
Kent County, Rhode Island

Allen, Stephen, House Anthony Village Historic District Apponaug Historic District Arkwright Bridge Armory of the Kentish Guards Arnold, John Waterman, House Bowen, Isaac, House Briggs, Joseph, House-Coventry Town Farm Briggs, Richard, Farm Budlong Farm Buttonwoods Beach Historic District Cedar Hill Centreville Mill Clapp, Silas, House Conimicut Lighthouse Cowesett Pound Crompton Free Library Crompton Mill Historic District District Four School East Greenwich Historic District Elizabeth Spring Forge Farm Forge Road Historic District Fry's Hamlet Historic District Gardiner, Capt. Oliver, House Gaspee Point Gorton, Caleb, House Greene, Caleb, House Greene, Christopher Rhodes, House Greene, Gen. Nathanael, Homestead Greene, Moses, House Greene, Peter, House Greene, Richard Wickes, House Greene-Bowen House Greene-Durfee House Greenwich Mills Harris Mill Hopelands Hopkins Hollow Village Indian Oaks Interlaken Mill Bridge Kent County Courthouse Knight Estate Lippitt Mill Massie Wireless Station Paine House Pawtuxet Valley Dyeing Company Pawtuxet Village Historic District Pontiac Mills Read School Rhode Island State Airport Terminal Rhodes, Christopher, House Rice City Historic District Rice City Historic District (Boundary Increase) Royal Mill Complex South Main Street Historic District Spencer, William B., House Spencer-Shippe-Lillbridge House St. Mary's Church and Cemetery Tillinghast Road Historic District Valley Queen Mill Varnum, Gen. James Mitchell, House Warwick Civic Center Historic District Warwick Lighthouse Waterman Tavern Waterman, John R., House Waterman, William, House Weaver, Clement-Daniel Howland House West Greenwich Baptist Church and Cemetery West Winds Whitmarsh, Col. Micah, House Wickes, Oliver A., House Wilson-Winslow House Windmill Cottage
The first circus in the United States was founded in Newport, Rhode Island in 1774 by a British equestrian named Philip Astley.
Rhode Island random facts
Kent County, Rhode Island, has a rich history that dates back to colonial times. The area was first settled in the 17th century by English colonists who established towns such as Warwick and East Greenwich. In the early years, agriculture was the primary industry, with farmers cultivating crops like corn and raising livestock. The Pawtuxet River played a significant role in the county's development as it provided a source of waterpower for mills and factories.

During the American Revolutionary War, Kent County witnessed several notable events. In 1772, the famous Gaspee Affair took place in the town of Warwick, where colonists burned the British revenue schooner, Gaspee, in protest against British taxation. This event is considered one of the earliest acts of resistance leading up to the war.

In the 19th century, Kent County experienced significant industrial growth. The textile industry flourished along the Pawtuxet River, with mills producing textiles such as cotton and wool. The growth of industry attracted immigrants from various parts of Europe, contributing to the county's diverse population.

In the present day, Kent County remains an important area of Rhode Island. The towns within the county continue to preserve their historic charm while embracing modern development. The area is known for its natural beauty, with parks, lakes, and coastal areas offering recreational opportunities. Kent County's history is proudly preserved through museums, historic sites, and annual festivals that celebrate its colonial roots and contributions to American history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kent County, Rhode Island.

  • 1600s: The area now known as Kent County was originally inhabited by the Narragansett Native American tribe.
  • 1638: European settlement began in the region.
  • 1643: Kent County became part of the newly formed Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
  • 1680: The town of Warwick was incorporated in Kent County, becoming the center of the county.
  • 1750s: The county experienced significant growth due to the establishment of mills and the agricultural industry.
  • 1772: Apponaug Village in Warwick became the site of the first naval conflict of the American Revolution, known as the Gaspee Affair.
  • 1807: The Pawtuxet River Bridge was built, connecting Warwick to Cranston and facilitating trade and transportation in the region.
  • 1843: The town of Coventry was incorporated, further expanding the county.
  • 1868: The first railroad line was established in Warwick, boosting economic development.
  • 20th Century: Kent County continued to thrive, with the growth of industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare.