National Register of Historic Places listings in East Greenwich, Rhode Island facts for kids
East Greenwich, Rhode Island, is a town with a rich history! Many of its old buildings and areas are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government to help protect places that tell us about America's past. When a place is on this list, it means it has a lot of historical or architectural value.
This article will take you on a tour of some of these amazing historic places in East Greenwich. You'll learn about old houses, important buildings, and even entire neighborhoods that have been preserved for future generations.
Contents
- Historic Places in East Greenwich, Rhode Island
- Armory of the Kentish Guards
- Richard Briggs Farm
- East Greenwich Historic District
- Fry's Hamlet Historic District
- Kent County Courthouse
- Massie Wireless Station
- Spencer–Shippee–Lillbridge House
- Tillinghast Mill Site
- Tillinghast Road Historic District
- General James Mitchell Varnum House
- Clement Weaver–Daniel Howland House
- Colonel Micah Whitmarsh House
- Windmill Cottage
Historic Places in East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Armory of the Kentish Guards
The Armory of the Kentish Guards is a historic building located on Armory and Peirce Streets. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 28, 1970. An armory is a place where a military group stores weapons and trains. The Kentish Guards are a very old local militia group, formed even before the American Revolution! This building has been their home for a long time.
Richard Briggs Farm
The Richard Briggs Farm is a historic farm found at 830 South Road. It joined the National Register on June 6, 2003. This farm helps us remember what life was like in East Greenwich many years ago when farming was a big part of the community.
East Greenwich Historic District
The East Greenwich Historic District is a large area that includes many historic buildings and streets. It's roughly bordered by Kenyon Avenue, Division, Peirce, and London Streets, Greenwich Cove, and Dark Entry Brook. This district was added to the National Register on June 13, 1974. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time because so many of its original buildings have been kept safe.
Fry's Hamlet Historic District
Another important historic area is Fry's Hamlet Historic District, located around 2068, 2153, 2196, and 2233 South County Trail. This district was recognized on December 20, 1985. A "hamlet" is a small settlement or village. This district shows us how small communities developed in the past.
Kent County Courthouse
The Kent County Courthouse is a significant building at 127 Main Street. It was added to the National Register on April 28, 1970. Today, this building serves as the East Greenwich Town Hall. Courthouses are important places where laws are made and justice is served, and this one has a long history in the community.
Massie Wireless Station
The Massie Wireless Station is located at 1300 Frenchtown Road, which is part of the New England Wireless and Steam Museum. It became a registered historic place on October 22, 2001. This station is special because it was used for early wireless communication, like a very old version of radio! It played a role in the history of technology.
Spencer–Shippee–Lillbridge House
The Spencer–Shippee–Lillbridge House is a historic home at 12 Middle Road. It was added to the National Register on April 20, 2011. This house is a great example of the architecture and way of life from a past era in East Greenwich.
Tillinghast Mill Site
The Tillinghast Mill Site can be found in Frenchtown Park. This site was recognized on March 10, 1988. A mill site is where a mill once stood, often powered by water. Mills were very important for grinding grain or sawing wood in early communities. This site reminds us of the industrial history of the area.
Tillinghast Road Historic District
The Tillinghast Road Historic District covers an area along Tillinghast Road. It was added to the National Register on March 9, 1988. Like other historic districts, this one helps preserve the unique look and feel of an old road and the buildings along it.
General James Mitchell Varnum House
The General James Mitchell Varnum House is a significant home at 57 Peirce Street. It was listed on the National Register on August 12, 1971. General Varnum was an important figure during the American Revolutionary War, and his house is a direct link to that time period.
Clement Weaver–Daniel Howland House
The Clement Weaver–Daniel Howland House is located at 125 Howland Road. It was added to the National Register on November 7, 1995. This house is another example of the old homes that tell the story of East Greenwich's early settlers and their lives.
Colonel Micah Whitmarsh House
The Colonel Micah Whitmarsh House stands at 294 Main Street. It became a registered historic place on February 18, 1971. Colonel Whitmarsh was a notable person in the town's history, and his house helps preserve his legacy.
Windmill Cottage
The Windmill Cottage is a charming historic building at 144 Division Street. It was added to the National Register on May 22, 1973. This unique cottage has a windmill structure, making it a distinctive landmark in East Greenwich.
