Charlestown

“The Historical Society”

The Charlestown Historical Society has a new home to house the town’s archives. Take a spin through history with them as they share stories about the town’s earliest settlers, mill villages, and beach community.

“The Wilcox Tavern”

The Wilcox Tavern was home to a descendant of one of Charlestown’s earliest settlers. Gen. Joseph Stanton was born, and died, in the Wilcox Tavern. Learn more about this historic home from its current owner.

“The General Stanton Inn”

Charlestown is home to the second-oldest continuously used Inn in America, the General Stanton Inn. Come inside to see how this Inn has grown and changed, but also stayed the same since it was built in 1790.

“One Room Schoolhouse”

Take a step back in time as we take you through the doors of one of Charlestown’s earliest schoolhouses and hear about what the children of the early 1800s were studying.

“Cross’ Mills Burying Ground”

The Cross’ Mills Common Burial Ground has recently undergone some cleaning and GPS mapping, but this cemetery dates back to the 1600’s. Find out about some of the locals who are buried here.

“The Rathskeller”

The Charlestown Rathskeller opened during Prohibition, an original Rhode Island speakeasy. Get a glimpse inside this historic restaurant, much of which has been preserved to look just as it did when it opened in 1933.

“The Ladies Auxiliary”

From Christmas parties to bake sales, the Charlestown Ladies Auxiliary was the backbone of the town’s earliest fire department. Hear from one of its first members about their role in keeping the residents of Charlestown safe.

“The Land Trust”

Let the Charlestown Land Trust take you on a journey through time. Learn about how property in this town has been used over hundreds of years, and how it is being protected and preserved today.

“Naval Auxiliary Air Station”

Many Rhode Island residents do not know that some of our best pilots, flying over Japan in defense of our country during World War II, were trained in Charlestown.

“Quonnie: The Good Old Days”

Quonochontaug, or Quonnie as it is known to the locals, was a destination summer sanctuary beginning after the Civil War. Hear from a woman whose grandparents were some of the first summer settlers in Quonnie about what it was like to summer along this shore.

“A Mageau Family History”

This is the story of a young member of the Mageau family wanting to preserve her ancestors’ stories about growing up in Charlestown. From air raids during wartime to being outcasts for their political and religious beliefs, the stories of these siblings will have you on the edge of your seat.

“Charlestown Beach Communities”

Residents of three of Charlestown’s beach communities describe what it was like to summer in this town as children in the 1960s, how it has impacted their lives as grown-ups, and their hopes for the future.

“The Salt Ponds”

The Charlestown Salt Ponds Coalition protects and enhances the salt ponds from Westerly to Narragansett. In their submission, they give us a glimpse of the role the salt ponds play in the ecosystem of Charlestown.

“The Anatomy of a Beach”

Enjoying one of Charlestown’s spectacular beaches is easy — throw your blanket down and enjoy. But have you ever wondered how the beach was formed or how the beach is being protected for future generations? Take a walk along a barrier beach in Charlestown with an expert in the field to learn more!

“Stoney Hill Cattle Company”

The Stoney Hill Cattle Company stands on a piece of land that has been continuously farmed since the 1600s. The current owners are third- and fourth-generation members of the same family to keep this locally owned and operated small business going.

“The Fantastic Umbrella Factory”

There are no umbrellas produced at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, but this whimsical property is one of Charlestown’s biggest attractions. Find out why, and how they came up with the name!