Palmer River (Massachusetts–Rhode Island) facts for kids

The Palmer River is a cool river that flows through two states in the U.S.: Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It stretches for about 17 kilometers (or 11 miles).

Where the Palmer River Flows

The Palmer River starts from two different parts, like two arms reaching out. These two parts then join together to form the main river. This happens near where Danforth Street and Winthrop Street (which is also U.S. Route 44) meet in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

The West Branch

The west branch of the Palmer River begins in a small pond in Rehoboth. It then flows south for about 9 kilometers (or 5 miles) until it meets the east branch.

The East Branch

The east branch starts in a swamp called Little Cedar Swamp in North Rehoboth. It flows southwest for about 8 kilometers (or 5 miles) until it joins the west branch.

The Main River

Once the two branches come together, the main Palmer River flows mostly south through Rehoboth and Swansea. Then, it crosses into Rhode Island. For its last few miles, it flows between Barrington and Warren. Finally, it meets the Barrington River to create the Warren River.

Bridges Over the River

Many roads and bridges cross over the Palmer River and its branches. Here are some of the main crossings, starting from where the river begins and moving downstream.

Crossing the West Branch

• In Rehoboth, you can find bridges at:
  • Fairfield Street
  • Ash Street
  • Homestead Avenue
  • Perryville Road
  • Danforth Street
  • Carpenter Street

Crossing the East Branch

• In Rehoboth, bridges cross at:
  • Fairview Avenue
  • Williams Street
  • Winthrop Street (U.S. 44)
  • Moulton Street (MA 118)
  • County Street (twice)
  • Winthrop Street (U.S. 44)

Crossing the Main River

• In Rehoboth, bridges are located at:
  • Danforth Street
  • Winthrop Street (U.S. 44)
  • Wilmarth Bridge Road
  • Summer Street
  • Wheeler Street
  • Reed Street
  • Providence Street
  • Interstate 195
  • Fall River Avenue (U.S. 6)
• In Swansea, you'll find a crossing at:
  • Old Providence Road
• In Barrington, there's a bridge at:
  • County Road (RI 103/114)

Smaller Streams Joining the River

Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Palmer River and its branches. These include:

• Mine Brook (joins the West Branch)
• Bliss Brook (joins the West Branch)
• Wolf Plain Brook (joins the West Branch)
• Carpenter Brook (joins the West Branch)
• Roaring Brook (joins the East Branch)
• Bad Luck Brook (joins the East Branch)
• Rumney Marsh Brook
• Fullers Brook
• Rocky Run
• Torrey Creek

How the River Got Its Name

The Palmer River was likely named after Walter Palmer. He was one of the people who helped start the town of Rehoboth a long time ago.

The River in Art

The Palmer River has even been featured in art! A local artist named Edward Mitchell Bannister painted a picture of the Palmer River in 1885.

Images for kids

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  The Palmer River flowing through Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

• 

  The Carpenter Bridge crosses over the West Branch of the river.

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  Village Pond is located on the East Branch of the river.

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  The Shad Factory Pond Dam on the Main Branch of the Palmer River.

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  An 1885 painting of the Palmer River by Edward Mitchell Bannister.