Wickford, Rhode Island was settled in 1637. With Rhode Island being one of the original 13 Colonies, its history can be seen almost anywhere you look. A theologian and original colonist by the name of Roger Williams purchased a plot of land and established a trading post. He also negotiated peaceful a coexistences with the local natives. The land in and around Wickford, Rhode Island was home to the indigenous Narragansett People. They were a powerful tribe that roamed the thick forest that surrounded the New England territory.
This particular adventure offers an exciting tour through this historic downtown community and its harbor.
The Historical Society has labeled and dated many of the 17th and 18th century homes with their original owner’s name. Unlike Boston’s Freedom Trail, this historic community is unsolicited and has no visible pamphlet that features a map. These homes are privately owned and can not be disturbed beyond the sidewalk.
Wickford’s downtown area also host a variety of turn-of-the century shops with some very unique merchandise. Most of the storefront windows display a collage of items reflecting past designs and trends. The street’s lighting provided enough light for a quiet stroll to the harbor’s docks or local tavern. It makes, if only for a moment, a step back in time when America was still trying to find its footing.
My name is Anthony and I am a travel writer, photographer and practicing videographer for “You, Me and The Dock”. We are going to present this exciting adventure with a couple of creative videos for your viewing pleasure. The forthcoming videos will feature multiple homes, several miscellaneous structures, and other pertinent landmarks. Sit back and enjoy the tour!
The Town of Wickford, Rhode Island has a quaint little business district filled with boutique shops and a bank. Tourists and locals alike browse the shelves for hidden treasures and that one of a kind find. The two lane streets that intertwine throughout old town offers an 18th century feel. The colonial structures lend to their appropriate time in history. Imagine English settlers walking these same streets over 380 years ago enjoying the cool sea breezes and sunny skies.
Wickford is surrounded by water. To the northeast is the harbor and to the south is its cove. Both lead to the Narragansett Bay and eventually out to the Atlantic Ocean. This protected seaport was used by the local fishermen and to except imported goods to the town’s merchants.
Wickford still keeps its lowkey ambiance intact for all these centuries. The streets get somewhat busy during the summer months but again, the town does have a small footprint. There is a short boardwalk just across the Brown Street bridge and at the edge of the public parking lot. It looks out at the various boats and sailing vessels that call Wickford Cove home. At the end of Main Street, there is a small beach area where people can enjoy the back bay’s water.
By midday, my wife and I were getting rather hungry. There are a few in town eateries to choose from. We selected a local restaurant by the name of Tavern by The Sea. They were just off Brown Street and had an outdoor patio alongside Academy Cove. They definitely satisfied our appetite and desire for a refreshing beverage.
Attached below is a second video that highlights other historic parts of this fascinating community. I hope you enjoyed the adventure as much as we did. If you ever get to Rhode Island and have time to spare, there are so many small towns like Wickford to explore.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
