ROGER WILLIAMS TRAIL

Creation of the Roger Williams Trail

Rhode Islanders and tourists would love to actually see the places that remain from the life and times of Roger Williams. These locations have never been built up is a way that a visitor and residents could take a “ride” into history.  What would be on the Trail? (Note: Please excuse any details that are not accurate, for I am truly a newby to RW)

Sowams Area (Warren): The first place that Roger visited either alone or with a small group.  He met with Massasoit who has a monument in the area.  Dr. David Weed is building a “Sowams Historic Area” which has over 39 videos, articles, links, and lots more.  You can find it here:https://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/

Rehoboth: Margaret’s Rock.  This is presently on private land, but Roger recovered in a cave in this rock while being cared for by a tribal member, now called “Margaret.”  People forget that these tribal people had their own names, names of the role in thier tribes, and a name given to them by the colonialists.

East Providence: Roger Williams location for his camp in what was called Seekonk, and from which he and a group rowed towards Rhode Island.

Slate Rock: This rock was considered the location of Roger’s landing in what would become Rhode Island.  It was mistakenly destroyed, but the location can still be visited.

Prospect Terrace: This is considered the first location from which Roger could see the vast expanse of Rhode Island.  It is also the burial site for both Roger and Mary Williams.  It is a shock to me how few of our residents know that!

Neutaconkanut Hill: In Providence near the Johnston line.  This hill was used as a meeting place for Roger and the Narragansetts.  It is now a public park maintained by the Providence Parks and Recreation Department.

Roger Williams’ Home: This is right across the street from the wall in front of the wall in front of the Roger Williams memorial at Prospect Terrace.

Samuel Gorton’s home in Pawtuxet: I am not sure where this is, or if it has been designated.  It is important due to the capture of his and his group by the Massachusetts  authorities and thier imprisonment in Massachsetts.  There may be other sites where his imprint might be of importance.  There is Gorton School!

Newport/Portsmouth Locations:  The Portsmouth Compact was signed in 1638.  There is a history to be found throughout Aquidneck Island for the activities in the struggles of William Coddington, Anne Hutchinson,  John Clarke,  Philip Sherman, William Dyer,  John Coggeshall, Nicholas Easton, and William Brenton.  Mr and Mrs. Dyer and John Clarke go to England with Roger in 1652.

National Parks System Roger Williams Memorial  This excellent landmark has the place where the sping was for the very first group living in Providence. Ranger John McNiff and other rangers give talks and discussions about the life and times of Roger Williams.   They also sponsor an open air production of Shakespeare’s plays during June.

Roger Williams Trading Posts:  There are four possible locations: One in the Plymouth Colony Salem, Providence, and North Kingstown.  I do not know their exact, but I am sure we can find them.

Landmarks from King Philip’s War: There are locations throughout our area with as well as the two fort locations of the Pequot.  There may be other tribal locations which would be on the trail.

Other Historical Locations: Where was the Portsmouth Compact signed? Where was the Acts and Orders of 1647  signed in Portsmouth again? Where are the places that Roger met when he was Colony President, Deputy, Commissioner, or a member of  Town Council of Providence in 1675-76.  There are surely more places here in Rhode Island that can speak to the life and experiences of Roger Williams