GLOCESTER RI

Glocester is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island. The town was incorporated in 1731 and covers an area of approximately 55 square miles.

Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by the Narragansett and Wampanoag tribes. The land that would become Glocester was purchased from the Narragansett tribe in 1665 by Major William Hopkins and other investors.

The first European settlement in the area was established in the 1690s by Quakers from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The town was initially part of Providence until it was officially incorporated as a separate entity in 1731. The town was named after the English city of Gloucester.

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Glocester was primarily an agricultural community. Farms in the area produced dairy products, vegetables, and fruit. The town also had several mills, including sawmills, gristmills, and textile mills.

During the American Revolution, the town contributed soldiers to the Continental Army. Several battles and skirmishes were fought in the area, including the Battle of Rhode Island, which took place in nearby Newport.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town’s economy shifted away from agriculture and towards manufacturing. The town had several factories producing goods such as textiles, rubber products, and paper. The town also had a thriving granite industry, with several quarries in operation.

In the mid-20th century, the town’s economy shifted again, with many of the factories closing down. The town’s population began to decline, and many residents moved to nearby cities for work.

Today, Glocester is a small, rural town with a population of around 10,000 residents. The town’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and small businesses. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with forests, lakes, and rivers providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town is also home to several historic sites, including the Chepachet Village Historic District, which features several well-preserved 19th-century buildings.