Prescott Farm facts for kids
Prescott Farm is a special place in Middletown, Rhode Island. It's a historic farm that shows what life was like during America's colonial times. This farm covers 40 acres, which is about 30 football fields!
For a while, the farm was in danger of being torn down. But in 1973, a kind person named Doris Duke bought it. She saved the farm and started to restore it. Now, it's a preserved historical site for everyone to visit.
Some cool things you can see at Prescott Farm include a working windmill built around 1812. There's also a guard house that was once used by British General Richard Prescott. You can also explore an old country store from about 1715. Plus, there's a special garden project by the University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners. They research and grow vegetables that people would have grown long ago. Prescott Farm is a great example of the farms that used to be common on Aquidneck Island.
History of Prescott Farm
This historic farm started in the 1700s. Some records suggest it might have been called "Overing and Page Farm" earlier. That farm was founded in 1650 by brothers Thomas and Edmund Nichols in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. However, the brothers moved to Newport a few years later. So, it's not totally clear if these two farms are the same.
During the American Revolutionary War, a British General named Richard Prescott stayed at the farm. On July 9, 1777, a small group of Rhode Island soldiers surprised him there. They captured General Prescott and took him to Providence. Later, he was traded for an American General named Charles Lee.
In 1973, the Newport Restoration Foundation, started by Doris Duke, bought the land. They worked to fix up the farm and opened it to the public. In 2007, the University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners began their special historical garden project here.
What You Can See Today
Most of Prescott Farm is open for visitors to explore. However, some buildings on the property are rented out to people. These include the Overing House and the Potter House, which are not open to the public.
When you visit Prescott Farm, you can enjoy several things. There are historic buildings to look at, a peaceful pond, and many walking paths. You can stroll around and imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. The special garden at the farm grows lots of fresh produce. All the vegetables grown in this garden are given to Lucy’s Hearth. This is a local shelter that helps women and children.
