History of Westerly, Rhode Island, USA

1800 - Washington Bank Established
In 1800, Washington Bank was established in Westerly with capital of $50,000.

The Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, Volume 3
Author Sir David Brewster
Publisher J. & E. Parker, 1832
Page 229

1803 - 16 people aged 1,444 years
There are now living, in the town of Westerly, in the state of Rhode Island, sixteen persons, the amount of whose ages is, 1,444 years. The oldest being 102 years, and the youngest being 81 years. The average being 90 years and three months.
genealogybank.com
Daily Advertiser
New York
March 25, 1803

1819 - Westerly
Westerly is a maritime post township, situated in the southwest corner of the State, 36 miles southwest from Providence, and 35 west by south from Newport; bounded on the north by the Pawcatuck river and the town of Hopkinton, on the east by Charlestown, on the south by the Atlantic ocean, and on the west by the Pawcatuck river, which separates it from the State of Connecticut. Its extent is more than six miles east and west, and nearly the same north and south, comprising about 36 square miles.

This township, though not mountainous, is considerably rough and broken, the surface presenting primitive and somewhat rugged features. The soil, which is generally a gravelly loam, affords, as it respects the quality of it, most of the varieties from a fertile mould to a soil lean and sterile. In some sections of the town, barley is cultivated to advantage. Some Indian corn is also raised; but the staple agricultural product consists of cheese. The lands being in general best adapted to... Read MORE...

1839 - Westerly
Westerly, Rhode Island
Washington county. Westerly is washed by the Atlantic ocean on the south, and Pawcatuck river, which separates this state from Connecticut, on the west. This maritime town has its principal harbor at the mouth of the Pawcatuck, in which vessels are built, and in which some navigation is employed in the fishery and domestic trade. The Pawcatuck affords a great variety of scale and shell fish.

The surface of the town is generally uneven; in some parts it presents rugged features. Its soil varies from good to bad, but its average quality is well adapted to the culture of all the varieties of grains, grasses, fruits and vegetables common to the climate. The business of the dairy is extensive and lucrative.

The village of Pawcatuck is very handsome; it is finely located 6 miles from the sea, at the head of navigation on the Pawcatuck, and at the falls on that stream. This village is the site of valuable manufactures and of a large interior trade. It is crossed ... Read MORE...

1854 - Westerly
Westerly, a thriving post-village of Washington co., Rhode Island, on the Pawcatuck river, the boundary between Rhode Island and Connecticut, and on the Stonington and Providence railroad, 45 miles S. W. from Providence. The inhabitants are extensively engaged in cotton and other manufactures. Ship building and the coast trade is also carried on, for which the river affords facilities, being navigable for vessels of from 40 to 60 tons burden. The village contains 3 or 4 churches, 3 banks and about 1 5 stores. Population of the township, in 1840, 1912; in 1850, 2763.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1858 - A man in Westerly, Rhode Island, recently married a girl thirteen years of age, and committed suicide by hanging himself in a few days afterwards.

genealogybank.com
Plain Dealer
Ohio
January 4, 1858

1881 - Bigger than stones in Egypt
At the Westerly quarries, Rhode Island, a single stone 150 feet long, ten feet wide and eight feet thick, weighing more than 1,000 tons, has been loosened from the ledge. This is a bigger stone that the monarchs of Egypt ever produced. The Yankees are ahead.
genealogybank.com
Indianapolis Sentinel
Indianapolis, Indiana
July 21, 1881

1895 - Westerly
Wes’terly, a post-village in Westerly township, Washington co., R.I., on the Pawcatuck River and the Stoning ton & Providence Railroad, 6 miles N.E. of Stonington, and 44 miles S.S.W. of Providence. Small vessels can ascend the river to this place. It contains 9 churches, a high school, a superior hotel which cost $300,000, 4 national banks, 3 savings-banks, a newspaper office, gas-works, and a public library. It has extensive manufactures of flannel and cotton goods, and quarries of excellent granite which is capable of receiving a high polish. The township is bounded on the S. by the Atlantic. The granite-quarries employ from 600 to 1000 men. Some of the finest buildings of Providence, Hartford, and New Haven have been built of this granite. Pop. of township (1890), 6813.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1897 - Died at 108
Mrs. Charlotte Leclair of Westerly, R. I., died yesterday morning at the age of 108 years and six months. She was born in La Prairie, a small town in Quebec. Five generations of her descendants are living.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
October 10, 1897

1900 - TURKEY FOR THE PRESIDENT - A Rhode Island Bird Picked Out for Thanksgiving at the White House
PROVIDENCE, R. I. The Westerly turkey king has picked out the turkey which it is expected will grace President McKinley's table at the White House on Thanksgiving Day. The turkey is a magnificent-looking gobbler and is now strutting around showing its pride in its 35 pounds of superiority. The bird was selected after a careful inspection of every flock in the neighborhood of Westerly and North Stonington.

The fame of the town of Westerly rests upon the fact that for years and years it has furnished the turkeys for the Thanksgiving Day dinners of the Presidents of the United States. The late Senator Anthony, of Rhode Island, first established the custom of sending a Rhode Island turkey to the President for Thanksgiving consumption, and he kept up the practice until his death. Then Nathan F. Dixon, a close friend of Senator Anthony, took up the work, and after his death the dealer through whom the turkeys had been ordered continued the custom in his own name.

Some handsome and... Read MORE...


Read more about William MCKINLEY

1906
Westerly, a post-village in Westerly township (town), Washington CO., R.I., on the Pawcatuck River and the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 44 miles SW. of Providence. Small vessels ascend the river to this place. The town has extensive manufactures of cottons and wool lens, thread, and printing-presses, and is largely engaged in the quarrying of granite, of which a highly-superior quality is found here. Within the limits of the town is Watch Hill. Pop. of the town in 1900, 7541.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1932 - September 16 - 30.8 cm rainfall at Westerly, Rhode Island (state record)

historyorb.com

1944 - HURRICANE HITS NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND COASTS. HIGH WINDS LASH JERSEY, LONG ISLAND.
...Westerly R. I. Hit.
The Rhode Island shore felt the first blast of the Atlantic hurricane about 9 p.m. last night. Communications were interrupted and details scarce.

Westerly and the surrounding area lost all electric power, with trees and power lines down, as wind measured at "more than seventy miles an hour" lashed the seas over seawalls and inundated some places...
The Troy Record
Troy, New York
September 15, 1944

2023 - Whether you're a nature lover, a beach bum, or a history buff, there's something for everyone in Westerly. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around this picturesque town:
Misquamicut State Beach: Start your visit with some sun, sand, and surf at Misquamicut State Beach. This beautiful stretch of shoreline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply taking a leisurely beach stroll.

Napatree Point Conservation Area: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Napatree Point Conservation Area. It's a scenic peninsula with walking trails and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Birdwatchers will also find plenty of opportunities to spot local and migratory species.

Westerly Town Beach: Another option for beachgoers is Westerly Town Beach, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Misquamicut. It's great for picnics and enjoying the ocean breeze.

Watch Hill: This picturesque village in Westerly is a must-visit. Stroll along the charming streets, admire the beautiful Victorian architecture, and explore boutique shops and art galleries. Don't forget to visit the iconic Watch Hill Lighthouse for panoramic views of the... Read MORE...