Stillwater Mill facts for kids

The Stillwater Mill was an old textile factory in Smithfield, Rhode Island. It played a big part in the history of Smithfield. Today, a group called Breakwater Preservation Conservancy is working to save the mill's land. They want to turn it into a place where people can learn about local history and nature.

Early Days in Smithfield

Long ago, Native American tribes lived in Smithfield. These included the Narragansett tribe, Nipmuck, and Wampanoag people. They used rivers like the Woonasquatucket for fishing and hunting. They also gathered food and farmed a little.

European settlers came to Smithfield starting in 1666. This was after Roger Williams founded Providence. The town of Smithfield got its name from John Smith, a miller. He was one of the first settlers with Roger Williams.

Some Quakers also moved to Smithfield. They came from Massachusetts to find a place where they could practice their religion freely. Early families like the Angells and Smiths were farmers. They helped shape the community.

In 1676, a conflict called King Philip's War ended. More European settlers then moved into the area. In 1731, Smithfield officially became its own town. It included areas that are now North Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, and Woonsocket.

Building the Stillwater Mill

Stillwater Mill area in 1870

In 1824, Israel and Welcome Arnold bought land in Stillwater. They built a small cotton mill and homes for workers. Later, Joseph Clark bought the settlement. By the mid-1800s, Stillwater was a small village. It had a mill, a few houses, a school, and a store.

A new woolen mill was built in 1866 by Edmund Brown. This mill burned down in 1872. But it was quickly replaced by a bigger one. This new mill made woolen cloth. The village stayed small, but the mill owners made changes. They improved the landscaping and houses. This made Stillwater a "model village." It was a unique, self-contained mill community.

The Stillwater River was important for making textiles. Around 1825, Thomas Sprague built a cotton factory using the river. In 1853, the Stillwater reservoir was built. This helped control the water supply for the mills.

Stillwater Mill area in 1894

In 1873, the Providence and Springfield railroad opened. This new train line went through Stillwater. It made it easier to bring raw materials to the mills. It also helped ship finished goods out. The Stillwater Worsted Mills used Stillwater Station for their products.

Over the years, the factory changed owners. By 1901, it was part of the Centerdale Woolen Mills. By 1937, it became part of the Lister Worsted Company. The village of Stillwater remained much the same. It employed about 150 workers in 1939. Most of these workers lived in the village.

In 1984, a fire destroyed some of the mill buildings. This marked the end of an era for the old factory.

From Mill to a Place for Learning

The Stillwater property has a rich history. It shows how Smithfield has changed over time. This history is valuable and should be saved. Smithfield is a beautiful town with old farms and villages. Preserving this past is important for the future.

The Breakwater Preservation Conservancy has a plan for the Stillwater property. They want it to be a public benefit. Their goal is not to make money. Instead, they want the site to connect people to local history. They also want to help people understand local nature. This includes learning about how to protect our natural resources.

See also

• Smith-Appleby House
• Woonasquatucket River
• Stillwater River (Rhode Island)

Images for kids

• 

  Stillwater Mill area in 1870

• 

  Stillwater Mill area in 1894

• 

  Stillwater Mill area in 1943