Prescott Farm facts for kids
Prescott Farm is a cool historic place in Middletown, Rhode Island. It's a preserved colonial farm, showing what life was like long ago. This amazing farm covers about 40 acres. It was almost torn down, but a kind person named Doris Duke bought it in 1973. She helped restore it to its former glory.
You can see many interesting things here. There's an old windmill that still works, built around 1812. You can also visit British General Prescott's Guard House. There's even a county store from about 1715! The University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners also have a special project here. They research and grow vegetables that people would have planted long ago. Prescott Farm shows what a typical farm on Aquidneck Island looked like.
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A Look Back in Time: History of the Farm
This farm started way back in the 1700s. Some people think it was first called "Overing and Page Farm." That farm was in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and started by two brothers, Thomas and Edmund Nichols, in 1650. But the brothers moved to Newport, Rhode Island a few years later. So, it's not totally clear if these two farms are the same place.
General Prescott's Story
During the American Revolutionary War, a British general named Richard Prescott stayed at this farm. This was before the big Battle of Rhode Island. On July 9, 1777, something exciting happened! A small group of Rhode Island soldiers secretly captured General Prescott right from the farm. They took him to Providence. Later, General Prescott was traded for an American general named Charles Lee.
Saving the Farm
Years later, in 1973, the farm was in danger. But Doris Duke and her Newport Restoration Foundation bought the land. They worked hard to fix it up and opened it for everyone to visit. Then, in 2007, the University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners started their special garden project.
Visiting Prescott Farm Today
Most of Prescott Farm is open for you to explore. However, some buildings are rented out to people. These include the Overing House and the Potter House. So, these parts are not open to the public.
When you visit, you can see the cool old buildings. There's also a peaceful pond and several walking paths. You can enjoy a nice stroll around the property. The garden at Prescott Farm is very special. All the vegetables grown there are given to Lucy’s Hearth. This is a local shelter that helps women and children. It's a great way for the farm to help the community!
