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Community Photo-Essay:
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Little Compton was incorporated as a part of Plymouth Colony in 1682, after having been settled by Captain Benjamin Church, the noted Indian fighter, and others seven years previously. In 1746, under Royal Decree, it was transferred to Rhode Island together with the Towns of Cumberland, Barrington, Bristol and Tiverton.
The town was originally the home of the "Sagonate" or "Sakonnet" Indians, a particularly independent group of native Americans that fought with the settlers against the notorious King Philip,Sachem of the Wampanoags. King Philip waged a bloody war against the white settlers and tried to induce other neighboring tribes to join him.
The southern end of the town bordering the Atlantic is still known as "Sakonnet". It was here that Captain Church cleared the area for settlement.
Following the end of Indian hostilities, the small settlement in Little Compton enjoyed comparative peace and prosperity until a new threat arose; the British occupation of Newport during the Revolution. Foraging parties from the British garrison invaded Little Compton several times. The British raiders met with stiff resistance from the settlers, and were "bushwacked" several times as in the skirmish at the Taggart House.
Today, Little Compton is a rural-farming community. It was in Little Compton that the famous Rhode Island Red, (a breed of fowl and the State Bird), was developed. Fishing is still a major industry in the town, as one can observe with the daily departure of the fishing fleet from the Sakonnet Wharf. The town has also developed into an ideal vacation spot with the traditional atmosphere of colonial New England.
Town of Little Compton
The Commons, Box 226
Little Compton, RI 02837
Population: 3,593
FY 2008 Tax Rates: $4.42 per thousand
Superintendant of Schools: Louis Bitar 401.635.9593
Places of Interest:
Gray's Store. (1788) 4 Main Street, Adamsville. Built in 1788, by Samuel Church, Gray's is one of, if not the oldest continuously operating stores in the country. In the Village of Adamsville. Contains old post office (first in Little Compton, 1804). Original soda fountain, candy and tobacco cases, and ice chest. Aged cheddar cheese, Gray's Meal, penny candy, antique display items, vintage clothing and collectibles. OPEN: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Mon-Fri, 9:30-5:30 p.m.; Sat, 9:30-5 p.m.; Sun & holidays, 12-4 p.m. Winter: Mon-Fri, 9:30-5:30 p.m.; Sat, 9:30-5 p.m.; closed Sun & holidays. 635-4566.
Monument to Elizabeth Pabodie. Commons Burial Ground. Gravesite of first white girl born in New England, a daughter of Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. OPEN: Dusk to dawn.
Rhode Island Red Monument. Main Street, Adamsville. Commemorates the breed established in 1854 and honors the famous edible commodity which gave the poultry industry to the world. OPEN: Dawn to dusk.
Sakonnet Vineyards. (1975) 162 West Main Road, Route 77. Tastings, tours and audio-visual presentation throughout the year, self-guided vineyard walks. Retail shop open daily. OPEN: May 1-Oct, 10-6 p.m.; Nov-Apr, 11-5 p.m. 635-8486.
Wilbor House, Barn, and Quaker Meeting House. West Road. Historic early 18th century structure, maintained by Little Compton Historical Society. The Wilbor House was built during 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries and restored in 1956 by Little Compton Historical Society with period furnishings. Barn contains historical New England farm items, tools, utensils, and vehicles. OPEN: Wilbor House & Barn, mid-Jun-mid-Sep, Tue-Sun, 2-5 p.m. or by appt. Last tour at 4:30. 635-4035.
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