The history of Westerly dates back to 1661, when the first settlers arrived in the area then known as Misquamicut. The settlement officially received town status in 1669. The name "Westerly" was chosen due to its geographical location: at the time, it was the westernmost settlement in the Colony of Rhode Island.
Key Factors of Development
The town's growth was driven by a combination of its strategic location and natural wealth:
Geography and Waterways: The town is situated on the banks of the Pawcatuck River, which served as an important transportation artery and a natural border with the neighboring state of Connecticut. Its proximity to the ocean also fostered the development of maritime industries.
Natural Resources: The most significant factor in its economic growth was the discovery of high-quality granite deposits, which eventually made the town famous nationwide.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
In its early years, Westerly's residents were primarily involved in agriculture, fishing, and shipbuilding. However, it was stone quarrying that brought true fame and prosperity to the region. The famous Westerly granite was prized for its durability and beauty; it was used to build monuments and government buildings in many American cities. Parallel to the stone industry, the textile industry developed, shaping the town's unique identity as a center of craftsmanship and production.
Timeline
Key Milestones in Westerly's History
1661 — A group of colonists from Newport purchases the Misquamicut territory from local tribes, establishing the first permanent settlement in the area.
1669 — The settlement is officially incorporated and named Westerly due to its geographical position on the westernmost border of the Rhode Island colony.
1837 — The railroad arrives in town, connecting Westerly to Providence and opening new opportunities for trade and passenger travel.
1846 — Orlando Smith discovers a rich granite deposit on his farm, launching the town's famous stone-quarrying industry.
Late 19th Century — The Watch Hill district transforms into an elite summer resort, with grand hotels and Victorian mansions built for wealthy vacationers.
1938 — The devastating "Great New England Hurricane" causes catastrophic damage to the coast, washing away entire blocks and altering the shoreline of Napatree Point.
1954 — Hurricane Carol causes severe flooding in the town center and resort areas, necessitating large-scale restoration efforts.
Second Half of the 20th Century — A gradual decline in industrial manufacturing occurs, and the town's economy shifts toward tourism and hospitality.
Present Day — Westerly strengthens its status as a popular tourist destination, attracting travelers with its beaches and beautifully restored historic center.
Milestones
Stages of Development and Transformation
The evolution of Westerly is a journey from a small frontier settlement to a major industrial hub and an elite resort. Each era has left its mark on the town's architecture and economy.
Textile Industrialization. In the 19th century, the Pawcatuck River became the engine of economic growth. The construction of textile factories and mills along the river attracted a large workforce and led to significant population growth, transforming an agrarian community into a manufacturing center.
The "Granite Capital." The development of quarries in the second half of the 19th century became a gold mine for the town. The extraction of unique granite not only ensured economic prosperity but also shaped the architectural look of the central streets, where many buildings were constructed from local stone.
Railway Breakthrough. Connecting to the rail network between New York and Boston opened Westerly to the outside world. This event was the catalyst for the town's transition from a strictly industrial site to an accessible tourist destination.
The Gilded Age Resort Boom. The development of Watch Hill as a vacation spot for the American elite led to the construction of grand Victorian hotels (such as Ocean House) and private mansions. This created a unique contrast between the town's industrial center and the luxurious coastline.
Post-Hurricane Urbanism. Following the devastating hurricanes of 1938 and 1954, the town was forced to revise its urban planning regulations. The restoration of the shoreline took coastal protection into account, leading to the disappearance of dense beach construction and the creation of more open natural areas.
Cultural Revitalization of Downtown. In recent decades, the focus has shifted toward preserving historical heritage and developing the arts. The restoration of landmarks like the United Theatre and the enhancement of Wilcox Park have breathed new life into the town center, attracting tourists to the downtown area as well as the beaches.
Architecture
Architectural Duality: Industry and Resort
Westerly's architectural landscape is uniquely divided into two stylistic zones: the austere, monumental town center, built on the wealth from granite quarrying and textiles, and the luxurious coastal district of Watch Hill, featuring the airy resort architecture of the Gilded Age.
Civic Architecture and Downtown
Westerly's central district (Downtown) took shape during the economic boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The local material — the famous Westerly granite — dominates the scene here.
Richardsonian Romanesque (Late 19th Century). Characterized by massiveness, arched windows, and rough-hewn stonework, this style symbolized reliability and prosperity.
Landmark:Westerly Public Library. Opened in 1894, this building is a prime example of the use of local granite and sandstone, combining its educational function with the monumental presence of a Civil War memorial.
Classicism and Neoclassicism (Early 20th Century). Used for administrative and banking buildings to emphasize their status through strict columns and symmetry.
Landmark:Old Town Hall and the Post Office building. These structures showcase the exceptional skill of local stonecutters.
Watch Hill Resort Architecture
In contrast to the stone-built center, the coastal zone was developed as an elite summer resort. Here, New England’s characteristic wooden architecture prevails.
Shingle Style and Queen Anne (Late 19th Century). These Victorian architectural trends feature asymmetry, expansive porches, turrets, and the use of cedar shingles for facade cladding. The houses blend organically into the coastal landscape.
Landmark:Ocean House. The original 1868 building was demolished, but an exact replica opened in 2010. It is an icon of resort style with its bright yellow facade and mansard roof, embodying the luxury of the Victorian era.
Colonial Revival. A popular style for private villas and "cottages" built by wealthy industrialists for their summer retreats.
Religious Architecture
Westerly’s churches reflect the spiritual traditions of both early settlers and the immigrants who arrived to work in the quarries.
Gothic Revival. A style that seeks to emulate medieval cathedrals with its upward-reaching lines and pointed windows.
Landmark:Christ Church (Episcopal). Built from local granite, it demonstrates how heavy stone can be used to create graceful Gothic forms.
Landscape Urbanism
An important part of the town's urban development was the creation of public spaces within the heart of the industrial city.
Wilcox Park. Designed by a student of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this park is an example of a Victorian strolling garden. It serves as the town's "green heart," connecting key public buildings.
Notable People
Historical and Political Figures
Joshua Babcock (1707–1783) Physician, General, Judge.
Westerly's first professional physician and its first postmaster. His home was a hub of social life where Benjamin Franklin was a frequent guest. Babcock also served as Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and played an active role in preparing the colony for the Revolutionary period.
Samuel Ward (1725–1776) Colonial Governor, Delegate to the Continental Congress.
A prominent politician who was elected Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island three times. He was one of the first leaders to openly refuse to enforce the British Stamp Act. Ward represented the state in the Continental Congress but passed away from smallpox just months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Industrialists and Innovators
Orlando Smith (1814–1859) Entrepreneur, Founder of the Granite Industry.
A key figure in the town's economic history. After discovering unique granite deposits on his land, he founded the Smith Granite Company. It was thanks to his discovery that Westerly transformed into a thriving industrial center, with local stone being used for monuments across the entire country.
Figures in Culture and the Arts
Ruth Buzzi (born 1936) Stage and Film Actress, Comedienne.
A Westerly native who gained national fame for her role in the cult TV show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In." A Golden Globe winner, she became one of the brightest comedy stars of American television in the 1960s and 70s.
Billy Gilman (born 1988) Country Singer.
Born and raised in Westerly. At the age of 11, he made history as the youngest artist to reach the top 40 on the Billboard country charts with his hit "One Voice." Gilman continues his musical career, representing his hometown on the national stage.
Famous Residents
Taylor Swift (born 1989) Singer, Global Pop Star.
Owner of the famous historic mansion Holiday House (High Watch) in the Watch Hill district. While not a native, her presence and mentions of the town in her work (notably the song "The Last Great American Dynasty") have made Westerly a point of attraction for fans and tourists from around the world.