Harris, Rhode Island facts for kids
Harris is a small village located in Coventry, Rhode Island. It sits right by the north branch of the Pawtuxet River. This river was very important for the village's history.
Harris was once known as Harrisville. It was named after a man named Elisha Harris. He came to the area in 1822. Before that, the land was part of the Burton and Potter farms.
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The History of Harris Village
Harris has a rich history, especially with its old mills. Mills are factories that use machines to make things.
Early Mills and Factories
Around 1813, a man named Caleb Atwood built a textile mill here. A textile mill is a factory where cloth is made. This first mill was called the Dumplin Mould. Later, in the 1840s, it became the Lamphear Machine Shop.
The Harris Cotton Manufacturing Company
In 1822, Elisha Harris arrived and started the Harris Cotton Manufacturing Company. This company built many mill buildings in the area. These mills helped the village grow. After Elisha Harris passed away, his son-in-law continued to run the company.
Later Mill Operations
In 1900, another company called Arkwright-Interlaken Manufacturing Company bought the Harris Mill. They kept it running until 1954. Even today, many of the old mill buildings and houses where workers lived are still standing. They remind us of Harris's past.
Famous People from Harris
Some important people have lived in Harris.
Elisha Harris (1847-1849)
Elisha Harris was not only important for naming the village, but he also became the Governor of Rhode Island. He served as governor from 1847 to 1849. A governor is the leader of a state.
Henry Howard (1873-1875)
Henry Howard was Elisha Harris's son-in-law. He also became the Governor of Rhode Island. He served from 1873 to 1875.
