Washington, Rhode Island facts for kids
Washington is a small community, also known as a village, located within the town of Coventry. It is found in Kent County, Rhode Island, and is part of the beautiful Pawtuxet River Valley .
Contents
Exploring Washington's History
Washington has a long and interesting past, dating back hundreds of years. It started as a small settlement and grew over time.
Early Beginnings: 1670s Settlement
The area where Washington now stands was first settled in the 1670s. This was around the time of King Philip's War. This war was a big conflict between Native American tribes and English colonists in New England.
From Braytontown to Washington
After King Philip's War, the village was settled again. It was first called Braytontown. This name came from the Brayton family, who lived there.
The Historic Paine House
A very important building in Washington is the Paine House. It was built in 1748 by Francis Brayton. This house is the oldest building still standing in the village. It was once a tavern, which was like an inn or a restaurant where people could eat and stay. Today, the Paine House is home to the Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society. They help preserve the history of the area.
How Washington Got Its Name
In 1810, the village's name changed from Braytontown to "Washington." It was named after a local business called the Washington Manufacturing Company.
Industry and Transportation
Washington was once a busy place with different businesses and ways to travel.
The Train Depot
The Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill Railroad had a train depot in Washington. This was a station where trains stopped. There were other railroad buildings near Station Street. Today, parts of the old railroad path are used as a bike path.
Local Businesses and Shops
- Spencer Marble Works: Near the train depot was the Spencer Marble Works. This company, later known as Richmond Marble Work, was run by Oren Spencer. They made gravestones for many years.
- Calvin Hopkins' Blacksmith Shop: Around 1880, Calvin Hopkins opened a blacksmith shop. A blacksmith is someone who works with metal, often making tools or fixing things. This shop was located at 137 South Main Street. As cars became popular, it changed into an automobile repair shop.
Community Life and Changes
Washington also became an important center for the town of Coventry.
Coventry Town House
The town of Coventry built its town house in Washington in 1881. This building is where local government meetings and activities take place.
Road Changes
Over time, the Flat River Road was made wider. This change made the village look very different. It changed the quiet, small-town feel of the area.
