Apponaug, Rhode Island facts for kids
Apponaug is a neighborhood located in the middle of Warwick, Rhode Island, United States. It sits right on Apponaug Cove, which is a small arm of Greenwich Bay and close to Narragansett Bay. The name Apponaug comes from the Narragansett Native American word meaning "place of oysters." This area was indeed very rich in shellfish. The Narragansett people lived here for many centuries before European settlers came.
What is Apponaug?
Apponaug is known for its large rotary, which is a special type of intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. In the 1960s, more and more cars were driving through Apponaug. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation needed a faster way to handle this traffic. So, they changed the traffic flow to a one-way system in the center of the village. This was supposed to be a temporary solution.
A Central Hub
Apponaug is a very important spot in Warwick. It's where three of the city's main roads meet:
- Post Road (U.S. Route 1)
- Greenwich Avenue (R.I. Route 5)
- Centerville Road (R.I. Route 117)
Many people think of Apponaug as the "downtown" or central part of Warwick. This is because many important city buildings are located here. You can find the Warwick City Hall, the main police and fire stations, the Apponaug branch of the Warwick Public Library, a museum, and the post office all in this area.
Historic Areas
The group of city buildings in the center of Apponaug is part of the Warwick Civic Center Historic District. This means these buildings are important because of their history and architecture. There is also another area called the Apponaug Historic District in the southern part of the neighborhood. This district has many beautiful old homes that are also protected for their historical value.
Notable People
Apponaug is the birthplace of George S. Greene. He was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was also a famous engineer.
