History of Middletown, Rhode Island, USA

1819 - Middletown
Middletown, the central township of Rhode-Island is situated two miles N.E. from Newport, and about 28 miles southeast from Providence. It is bounded north-west by the Narraganset bay, northeast by Portsmouth, southeast by the east passage of Narragansett bay, and southwest by Newport.

The length of the town, from northwest to southeast, is about five miles, and it has a mean breadth of nearly two and a half miles, comprising an area of about 12 square miles.

The surface is undulating and diversified, affording numerous pleasant and interesting landscapes. The soil is a rich loam, very productive, and under a high state of cultivation; and the lands maintain a very high estimation.

The forests are inconsiderable, and principally consist of oak and walnut.

The agricultural interests of the town are very flourishing. The leading objects of husbandry are the dairy business, hay, the culture of Indian corn and barley, and the raising of supplies for Newport market. The... Read MORE...

1839 - Middletown
Middletown, Rhode Island
Newport county. This is the middle township on the island of Rhode Island. It lies 2 miles N.E. from Newport and 28 S. by E. from Providence. The surface of the town is undulating, and affords many interesting and beautiful landscapes. The soil is a rich loam, very productive and under a high state of cultivation; the lands are highly valued and command a great price. The inhabitants of the town are principally farmers; they are distinguished for their habits of industry and economy, and for the uniformity, plainness, and simplicity of their manner of living. The products of the town consist of corn, barley, hay, and great varieties of fruits and vegetables for Newport market. Incorporated 1743. Population, 1830, 915.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Middletown
Middletown, a township of Newport co., on the island of Rhode Island, about 23 miles S. S. E. from Providence. Population, 830.
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.

1895 - Middletown
Middletown, a township of Newport co., R.I., on the island of Aquidneck. Pop. 1074. It has 2 churches and important fisheries. Several of the best Newport beaches are in this township.
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

1906
Middletown, a township (town) of Newport co., R.I., on the island of Aquidneck. Pop. in 1900, 1457.
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

1919 - A Bad Accident
MIDDLETOWN

As Mr. Russell Morgan Peckham, accompanied by Mr. Lewis Plummer, Miss Ethel Plummer and the Misses Helen and Katherine Bronson, was driving his Dodge touring car from Wyatt Road on to East Main Road his machine was struck from the rear by a Hudson speedster driven by Mr. Habib of Newport. Both cars were proceeding toward Newport Mr. Peckham asserts that he was going about ten miles an hour and that he looked up the road before turning on to it. Mr. Habib says he sounded his horn four times before he came to Wyatt Road. He also says he was traveling about 18 or 20 miles an hour. Mr. Peckham's car was overturned and the five people pinned underneath. Mr. Habib's car skidded and lodged in the gutter. There were five people in Mr. Habib's car but none were seriously injured. Deputy Sheriff King soon arrived and many others, and the people under Mr. Peckham's car were taken out. The young ladies were taken into Mr. Scott Barker's home and later were taken to the Newport... Read MORE...

1928 - Hotel Fire
MIDDLETOWN

There was a serious fire at Atlantic Beach just over the line in Middletown from the Newport Beach at 3 o'clock last Sunday morning. The Sea View Hotel had been closed for about three months, but, in some way a fire started during Saturday night. The Middletown fire apparatus was called about 3 o'clock and upon arriving found the whole of the inside of the hotel afire. The firemen did good work in saving the surrounding buildings and the outside of the hotel but the entire inside of the hotel was burned out.
Newport Mercury
Newport, Rhode Island
January 7, 1928

2023 - There's something for everyone to enjoy in Middletown. Let's dive into some of the top places to go and things to do in this charming town:
1. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach): If you're a beach lover, you're in luck. Sachuest Beach, commonly known as Second Beach, is one of the most popular spots in Middletown. With its wide sandy shores and clear waters, it's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and even surfing. There are also walking trails nearby, offering stunning views of the coastline.

2. Norman Bird Sanctuary: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Norman Bird Sanctuary, which spans over 300 acres of preserved land. It's an excellent place for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring diverse ecosystems. Don't miss the opportunity to climb Hanging Rock for breathtaking panoramic views.

3. Newport Vineyards: Just a short drive from Middletown, Newport Vineyards is a must-visit for wine aficionados. You can take a tour of the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, enjoy tastings of their locally produced wines. The on-site restaurant, Brix, offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine.

4. ... Read MORE...