Watson Farm facts for kids
Watson Farm in 2008
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| Established | 1789 |
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| Location | Jamestown, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Type | Open-air museum |
| Owner | Historic New England |
Watson Farm is a historic farm in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It's a special place where you can see what farming was like hundreds of years ago, because it's still a working farm today! The farm was started way back in 1789, the same year George Washington became the first U.S. President.
For over 200 years, the farm belonged to the Watson family. It all started when a man named Job Watson bought the land. After him, five generations of his family worked the land. They were clever farmers who changed their crops and animals over the years to keep up with what people needed.
Today, Watson Farm is an Open-air museum owned by Historic New England, an organization that protects important historical places. This means you can visit and see history in action.
Life on the Farm Today
Even though it's a museum, Watson Farm is not just for show. It is a real, working farm where farmers live in the original farmhouse built in 1796.
Farming and Animals
The farmers at Watson Farm raise cattle and sheep. These animals provide beef, lamb, and wool that is sold to the public. They also grow large fields of grass, which they cut and store as hay to feed the animals during the winter.
To keep the soil healthy, the farm makes its own compost. Compost is a natural fertilizer made from recycled organic materials, like leftover plants. It helps the crops grow strong without using harsh chemicals. The farm also has a large vegetable garden.
Visiting the Farm
Each summer, Watson Farm hosts a farmer's market. It's part of a program called Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). This is a way for people to buy fresh food directly from the farmers who grow it. It helps connect the community to the farm and its history.
See also
- Open-air museum
