Howard, Rhode Island facts for kids
Howard is a special area located in the southern part of Cranston, Rhode Island. It was once a quiet farming community. Today, it is well-known because it is home to many important state buildings and facilities.
What is Howard, Rhode Island?
Howard is a unique area in Rhode Island. It covers almost one square mile. This area is mostly used for state-run facilities. These include prisons and places that help people with different needs.
How Howard Began
In the mid-1800s, the State of Rhode Island bought most of the land in Howard. They wanted to build important state facilities there. This included a state prison and a place called a "poor house." A poor house was a building where people who were very poor or had no home could live and receive care.
The Rhode Island State Prison was one of the first buildings constructed. It was built in 1878. This prison is a very strong and impressive building. It is made from large blocks of granite. Its style is called gothic, which means it has a grand and often serious look. Over the years, many more buildings were added. These new buildings were for people who had committed crimes. They also built places for people with intellectual disabilities.
Howard Today: A Center for State Facilities
Today, Howard is still a major center for state facilities. Its many buildings house over 2,000 people who are in prison. There are also several hundred people receiving care for their mental health. Howard plays an important role in Rhode Island's system for public services.
