North Kingstown history

Founding and First Settlements

The history of North Kingstown is rooted in the early colonial period. The first European trading posts appeared here as early as 1637; among the founders were the renowned theologian Roger Williams and the merchant Richard Smith. The settlement was officially incorporated into the colony as Kingstown in 1674.

The modern name and boundaries were established in 1723, when the expanded Kingstown was administratively divided into two parts: North Kingstown and South Kingstown. This makes the town one of the oldest settlements in the state of Rhode Island.

Development Factors and Geography

A key role in the town's formation was played by its advantageous geographical location on the western shore of Narragansett Bay. The natural deep-water harbour in the area of the historic village of Wickford facilitated the town's transformation into an important centre for maritime trade and fishing.

Early Economy and Culture

In the 18th century, the region was distinguished by an economic model unique to New England, resembling the plantation system of the southern colonies but adapted to northern conditions. Key features of the early period included:

• Livestock Breeding: The famous "Narragansett Pacer" horse breed was developed here, which was in high demand and actively exported.
• Agriculture: Local "Narragansett Planters" owned vast lands, specialising in dairy farming and cheese production.
• Historical Heritage: A symbol of the early era remains Smith's Castle — built on the site of the first trading post, it is one of the oldest surviving timber-frame houses in the USA.

Chronology of the Town's Development

The history of North Kingstown is inextricably linked with the sea and the development of American industry. Below are key milestones in the town's formation that shaped its modern appearance.

• 1637: Roger Williams establishes a trading post near modern-day Wickford, laying the foundation for the future settlement.
• 1674: The settlement is officially incorporated by the colonial government under the general name Kingstown.
• 1723: The historic division of Kingstown into two independent towns occurs: North Kingstown and South Kingstown.
• 1743: The western part of the town separates to form the new independent town of Exeter, forming North Kingstown's modern land boundaries.
• 1755: Gilbert Stuart, the famous artist who painted the most recognisable portrait of George Washington, is born in the village of Saunderstown.
• 1800: The village of Wickford establishes itself as the region's leading seaport and trading centre, prospering from exports and fishing.
• 1870: Construction of the Newport and Wickford Railroad branch is completed, linking the port to the main railway network.
• 1939: The federal government acquires land at Quonset Point for the construction of a naval air base (NAS Quonset Point).
• 1941: The "Quonset hut" — a lightweight prefabricated structure that became world-famous — is designed and put into production on the base's territory.
• 1974: The naval base officially closes, marking the beginning of a massive economic restructuring of the town.
• 2000s: The territory of the former base is successfully transformed into the Quonset Business Park, becoming one of Rhode Island's main economic drivers.

Key Stages of the Town's Transformation

The development of North Kingstown is a story of transformation from unique agricultural plantations to a modern industrial centre. Each era has left its mark on the street layout, architecture, and lifestyle of local residents.

• The Era of "Narragansett Planters" (18th Century). Unlike most Puritan settlements in New England, a structure resembling southern estates formed here. This facilitated the accumulation of significant capital and the creation of vast open spaces, some of which are preserved today as modern farms and parks.
• The Flourishing of Maritime Trade in Wickford (1780–1840). The deep harbour turned the village of Wickford into the commercial heart of the region. The significance of this stage is colossal: it was then that the dense historic centre with Federal architecture was formed, which today attracts tourists with its authenticity.
• The Era of "Mill Villages" (Mid-19th Century). The use of river energy led to the emergence of textile manufactories. This created a unique urban planning structure: the town developed not as a single monolith, but as a network of distinct settlements (such as Lafayette and Hamilton) built around factories.
• Industrialisation of Quonset Point (1940s). The construction of the naval base became the largest urban planning project in the town's history. Swamps were drained, new roads and railway tracks were laid, and the coastline was changed forever, creating powerful port infrastructure.
• Creation of a Logistics Hub (Late 20th – 21st Century). Repurposing the former military base into the Quonset Business Park saved the town from economic decline. Today, the Port of Davisville is one of the largest auto importers in North America, defining North Kingstown's modern industrial look.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban structure of North Kingstown is unique for Rhode Island: the town developed not as a single urban mass, but as a constellation of separate settlements. The historic core — the port village of Wickford — has preserved dense development from the 18th–19th centuries, while the periphery formed around textile manufactories ("mill villages") and vast agricultural lands.

Eras and Architectural Styles

The town's architecture vividly illustrates its economic history: from early colonial farms to a thriving seaport and industrial centres.

• Colonial Style (17th – Mid-18th Century). The town's earliest buildings are characterised by simplicity and functionality. Massive timber frames, central chimneys, and gable roofs are typical of this period. A prime example is Smith's Castle — a rare specimen of a house rebuilt in 1678 on the foundation of a burned trading post.
• Federal Style and Greek Revival (Late 18th – First Half of 19th Century). The "Golden Age" of maritime trade in Wickford led to the construction of elegant mansions for captains and merchants. These buildings stand out for their symmetry, decorative doorways with fanlights, and classical pilasters. Many houses on Main Street belong to this very period.
• Victorian and Industrial Architecture (Second Half of 19th Century). With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, brick factory buildings and workers' settlements rose along the rivers. In the Lafayette and Hamilton districts, one can see multi-family wooden workers' houses typical of New England and the more decorative Victorian cottages of managers.
• 20th Century Functionalism (1940s). North Kingstown's contribution to world architecture is of a strictly utilitarian nature. It was here, at the Quonset Point base, that the "Quonset hut" was developed — a semi-cylindrical structure made of corrugated steel that became an icon of military construction.

Iconic Historic Districts

The town's appearance is defined by several key zones, each holding the status of a historic district:

• Wickford Village: Considered one of the best-preserved collections of 18th-century residential houses in the northeastern USA. A walk through the village streets allows one to see a cohesive architectural ensemble, practically untouched by modern development.
• Hamilton Mill Village: An example of a classic 19th-century mill village, where residential housing, public buildings, and production facilities formed a single organism.

Distinguished Personalities of North Kingstown

The history of the town is linked to the fates of many famous people — from the founding fathers of the state and great painters to modern television stars and journalists. Below are key figures who have left a mark on the history of North Kingstown.

• Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828)
  Portrait Painter
  One of the most famous American painters, born in the village of Saunderstown (part of North Kingstown). He is the author of the "Athenaeum Portrait" of George Washington, which became the basis for the image on the US one-dollar bill. The house where he was born has been preserved and operates as a museum.
• Roger Williams (c. 1603–1683)
  Theologian and Founder of Rhode Island
  Although Williams is associated with Providence, it was here, in the territory of modern North Kingstown, that he established his trading post in 1637. Here he lived, traded with indigenous peoples, and wrote his famous works on the language and culture of the Narragansett Indians.
• Richard Smith (c. 1596–1666)
  Colonist and Merchant
  The first permanent English settler in this area, who purchased the trading post from Roger Williams. He built a fortified manor known as "Smith's Castle". This building became a centre of political and social life in the early colony.
• C.J. Chivers (born 1964)
  Journalist and Writer
  A renowned war correspondent for The New York Times and a Pulitzer Prize winner. A former marine and graduate of North Kingstown High School. Author of significant books on military history and weaponry.
• Elisabeth Hasselbeck (born 1977)
  Television Host
  A popular American television host who gained fame through her participation in the show "Survivor" and work on the talk shows "The View" and "Fox & Friends". She spent her childhood and youth in North Kingstown.
• Andrea McArdle (born 1963)
  Actress and Singer
  A Broadway star, famous as the original lead in the musical "Annie", for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. She resided in North Kingstown, being an active part of the local community.