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.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
The historic district is loaded with quaint homes and shops.
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.
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.
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.
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.