Usquepaug, Rhode Island facts for kids
Usquepaug (pronounced US-ka-pog) is a small village located in the state of Rhode Island, United States. It sits along the Usquepaug River and is part of two towns: Richmond and South Kingstown, Rhode Island. This historic village is well-known for its old mill and a fun annual festival.
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Discovering Usquepaug
Usquepaug is a quiet and charming place with a rich history. It is a part of the larger Providence metropolitan area. The village has kept much of its old-time feel, with some areas even listed as historic places. This means they are important for their history and special buildings.
The Famous Kenyon Corn Meal Company
One of the most important spots in Usquepaug is the Kenyon Corn Meal Company. This company runs a very old gristmill. A gristmill is a special kind of mill that grinds grain, like corn, into flour or meal. The Kenyon mill started way back in the late 1600s! The building you see today was built in 1886.
What is a Gristmill?
Imagine a big machine that uses large grinding stones to crush corn kernels. That's what a gristmill does! The Kenyon mill uses water power from the river to turn its grinding stones. This process turns corn into cornmeal. This cornmeal is then used to make many tasty foods.
The Delicious Johnnycakes
The white cornmeal made at Kenyon's Grist Mill is famous for a traditional Rhode Island food called johnnycakes. Johnnycakes are like flat, fried cornmeal pancakes. They are a very old and popular dish in Rhode Island. Many people enjoy them for breakfast or as a side dish.
Celebrating with the Johnny Cake Festival
Every year, Usquepaug hosts a special event called the Johnny Cake Festival. This festival celebrates the history of the mill and, of course, the delicious johnnycakes! It's a fun event where people can learn about how cornmeal is made. They can also try fresh johnnycakes and enjoy the village atmosphere. The festival brings together families and friends for a day of food and history.
