The Historic Small Town That Every Rhode Islander Should Visit At Least Once

Rhode Island is absolutely packed with history. Everywhere you look is a historic plaque or statue or a house from the 17th century. Saunderstown is a historic small town that every Rhode Islander should visit at least once. This little hamlet is a historic district located in Washington County, in the towns of Narragansett and North Kingstown. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a U.S. Historic District. Check out some of the great reasons to make a day of it in Saunderstown.

Wikimedia/ JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D.

This country store on Boston Neck Road in the historic district was built in 1914.

Flickr/ Rick Payette

Saunderstown is best known for being the birthplace of Gilbert Stuart, the artist who painted the portrait of George Washington that is on our dollar bills. The house is now open to the public as a museum. It features the restored and furnished 1750 home, a working grist mill, gardens, and woodland walking trails.

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Flickr/ Peter Rintels

The huge wooden snuffmill was used to grind locally grown tobacco in colonial times.

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Wikipedia/ Magicpiano

This is an 18th-century plantation that is now operated by Historic New England. The farm grows organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a Community Agriculture Program.

Wikimedia/ Magicpiano

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Wikimedia/ Magicpiano

Wikimedia/ Public Domain

The Sea View Line electric trolley at Sea View Station in Saunderstown near Narragansett Pier was built in 1898 and extended to East Greenwich in 1900 and to Wakefield and Peace Dale in 1902.

Facebook/ Willett Free Library

The Willett Free Library is open Monday through Friday, 1 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to Noon.

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Saunderstown Yacht Club

Its spot on the bay has been enjoyed by sailors for centuries.

Wikipedia/ Evans, C. W.

Saunderstown was home to many colonial shipyards due to its prime waterfront location.

Saunderstown packs an incredible amount of history into one little town. It’s a great place to bring the kids and spend a day soaking up Rhode Island’s colonial past, and some notable Rhode Islanders with major contributions to American history.