Historic Village of the Narragansetts in Charlestown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Historic Village of the Narragansetts in Charlestown
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A circular stone platform at the historic village center
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Charlestown, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 5,600 acres (23 km2) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000008 |
| Added to NRHP | May 7, 1973 |
The Historic Village of the Narragansetts in Charlestown is a special place in Charlestown, Rhode Island. It is known as an historic district. This means it's an important area with a lot of history. For almost 200 years, this land was the home and reservation for the Narragansett people.
This historic area covers about 5,600 acres (or 2,266 hectares). It has clear boundaries. On the east, it's bordered by Route 112. To the south, you'll find U.S. Route 1. King's Factory Road (also called Bureau of Indian Affairs Route 411) is on the west. Finally, Route 91 marks the northern edge.
Contents
The Narragansett People's Home
This land was officially the Narragansett reservation from 1709 to 1880. During this long time, the Narragansett people lived and thrived here. It was their designated homeland.
A Change in Status
In 1880, a big change happened. The Narragansett tribe sold their land to the state. At that time, the tribe also lost its official recognition. This process is sometimes called "detribalization." It meant they were no longer recognized as a tribe by the government.
However, the Narragansett people never stopped being a tribe. They continued their traditions and community. Years later, they worked hard to regain their official status. The Narragansetts have since received federal recognition again. This means the United States government now formally recognizes them as a Native American tribe.
Why This Area is Important
Because the Narragansett people lived here for so long, this area is very important for archaeology. Archaeologists study human history through digging up old objects. This district contains many artifacts. These include items from both historic times (when written records exist) and prehistoric times (before written records). These findings help us learn about the Narragansett way of life over many centuries.
National Recognition
The Historic Village of the Narragansetts in Charlestown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This listing means the place is officially recognized for its historical and cultural importance to the United States. It helps protect the area and its history for future generations.
