A History of the Providence River: With the Moshassuck, Woonasquatucket & Seekonk Tributaries

Robert A. Geake

• Publisher: The History Press
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9781614238812
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: North American History
• Index: History

The Providence River begins its journey from the confluence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers, in the capital city from which the river takes its name. A short distance downstream, the Seekonk River joins with the Providence as they flow on toward the mouth of Narragansett Bay. The history of the Ocean State was made on the banks of this historic river. It was here that Roger Williams established the first settlement dedicated to religious liberty, Rochambeau's army made its first encampment on the road to Yorktown and the Walsh-Kaiser Shipyard built World War II vessels for the Allied maritime effort. Along its waters glided boats and ships engaged in the slave trade, the raid on the "Gaspee" and all manner of coastal commerce. Historian Robert A. Geake has paddled the river's length to uncover the mysteries coursing within.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• 1. The Founding of Providence
• 2. Privateers, Prizes and the River in Revolution
• 3. The Age of Ships and Their Masters
• 4. Livelihoods along the River
• 5. Changes to the Waterfront
• 6. An Industrial River
• 7. Steamboats along the River
• 8. Ferries across the River
• 9. The World Comes to Providence
• 10. Recreation on the River
• 11. Hurricanes Wreak Havoc on the River
• 12. Shipbuilding in the War
• 13. Troubled Waters
• 14. The River Renewed
• 15. A Future of Both Promise and Uncertainty
• Notes
• Selected Bibliography
• About the Author