Conanicut Island facts for kids
Conanicut Island is the second-largest island in Narragansett Bay in the state of Rhode Island. It's connected to other places by two big bridges. To the east, the Claiborne Pell Bridge (also known as the Newport Bridge) links it to Newport on Aquidneck Island. To the west, the Jamestown-Verrazano Bridge connects it to North Kingstown on the mainland. The entire island is home to the town of Jamestown. In 2000, the island was about 24.46 square kilometers (about 9.4 square miles) and had a population of 5,622 people.
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Island History: Early Days
Conanicut Island was a special place for many American Indians long ago. They often used it as a seasonal home. The biggest Native American burial ground in New England is found on the island. Also, many old tools and items have been discovered near the local elementary school, showing that people lived here for a very long time.
The island gets its name from Chief Canonicus. He was a leader of the Narragansett tribe, and his royal home was on this island.
Dutch Traders and English Settlers
Around 1636 or 1637, some Dutch fur traders paid to use a nearby island called Quentenis as a base for their business. This island is now known as Dutch Island and is part of Jamestown. It's just west of Conanicut Island.
In 1638, English colonists made plans to use Conanicut Island for grazing their sheep. Chief Canonicus was one of the Narragansett leaders who agreed to this. The English named the island in his honor. Even today, the official seal of Jamestown includes the picture of a sheep!
Later, in 1651, the king gave a special document called a "patent" to William Coddington. This patent included Conanicut Island as part of his land.
Buying the Islands
In 1657, a group of about 100 buyers purchased Conanicut, Dutch, and Gould Islands together. They divided Conanicut Island into about a dozen large plots of land. They also set aside Dutch Island and parts of Conanicut for everyone to use.
One of the people who bought land was Benedict Arnold. He became the governor of the Rhode Island colony in the same year. (This Benedict Arnold was the great-grandfather of a famous general from the Revolutionary War, also named Benedict Arnold.)
Living Together and Conflicts
For almost 40 years, Native Americans and the colonists lived side-by-side on the island in relative peace. However, conflicts eventually broke out in many parts of southern New England. These conflicts are known as King Philip's War. After 1676, the colonists became the main power in the region. Even so, Conanicut Island remained a safe place for many Native Americans.
Island Connections
Over time, it became easier to travel to and from the island. In 1725, a ferry service started between Conanicut Island and Newport. Later, in 1748, another ferry began running to South Kingstown. These ferries helped people and goods move around the bay.
