Smith's Castle

Talk about a treasure, hidden away and out of sight, and mostly out of mind. You may have seen as small sign along Post Road, on the outskirts of Wickford that reads "Smith's Castle"

Richard Smith built this home, the first so called "English house", in the area at the same time that Roger Williams came ashore and bought a parcel of land from the Narragansetts. A grand and gabled house, heavily fortified, soon enough it earned the nickname "Smith's Castle".

Eventually Smith purchased more land, including the land that Roger Williams originally purchased, and farmed the land as Cocumcussoc Plantation. Burned to the ground during King Philip's War in 1676, Richard Smith rebuilt 2 years later on the original foundation. This is the home, a saltbox, that still stands and is now a museum and open to the public.

Roger Williams preached to the Indians here. One of the first military burial grounds in the country is located here. A mass grave holding 40 colonists killed during the Great Swamp Battle of 1675 is located here. A tragic event of epic proportions, the Great Swamp Battle nearly annihiliated the Narragansetts and ended King Philip's War.

This truly Colonial home is remarkable for its location on the Wickford Cove, its recreated gardens using only plants that were originally grown and native to the area, and the volunteers who recreate life there in authentic, period dress. (Do not call them 'costumes' - I made that mistake once!) It is a wonderful place to take children. They will even show you how to make butter!

On Saturday, June 21 (rain date is Sunday, June 22) the annual Smith's Castle Strawberry Festival will take place from

12 noon - 4 pm.

Why not visit this treasure in your own back yard?

And don't forget the Wickford Art Festival on the weekend of July 12 & 13. I love living here - maybe you would like it, too!