Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA (Valley Falls) (Ashton) (Cumberland Hill)
1819 - Cumberland

Cumberland, a post township, is situated in the northeast corner of the State, about eight miles northeast from Providence; bounded east on Attleborough and Wrentham in Massachusetts, north on Wrentham, Bellingham & Mendon, in Massachusetts, southwesterly on Pawtucket river, which separates it from Smithfield. It is of a very irregular figure, and was formerly called the Gore. It comprises an area of about 28 square miles.

There are some sections of the township that are level and favourable for tillage; but a considerable proportion of it is rough and broken, being hilly and rocky, and is reserved for forests and pasturage. It is estimated that there are about 5000 acres in the town, covered with forests. In the other sections, the soil is generally fertile, and affords the various productions common to this region. The cultivation of grain does not receive much attention. Hay, cider and fruit are the principal articles that are sent abroad for a market.

The waters of the town consist of the Pawtucket river, which washes its southwestern border, and numerous small streams, of which, Abbot's run, Mill and Peter' rivers are the most considerable. There are four bridges upon Pawtucket river; and these small streams afford numerous valuable sites for mills and manufacturing establishments.

The manufacturing spirit which prevails so extensively in this State, and which forms one of its principal characteristics, had produced important results in this town. There are 8 cotton manufacturing establishments, containing 5524 spindles. In one of these factories there are 30 water looms, and in another there are 12. The extensive and diversified application of mechanical power is truly astonishing. Every process, from the preparation of the raw material, to the last finishing which is given to the fabric, is, in a greater or less degree, facilitated and accelerated by it. The saving of labour, by the use of machinery, in these different processes, varies essentially; but in most of them it is immensely great. This reduces greatly the manual industry; yet, where business is carried on so extensively, a large aggregate of this is required.

Besides the manufactures of cotton, there are one Woolen Factory, two Clothiers' works and six Grain Mills.

The building of boats is an extensive business in this town. There are 19 shops engaged in it, which usually build about 700 boats annually. They are constructed principally of oak timber; some, however, are of pine, and some of cedar; they are of various sizes, and sell from 20 to 70 dollars each. The manufacture or nails was formerly an important business in this town. At present, there is but one establishment, at which from 15 to 30 tons of nails and brads are annually made, which are of an excellent quality, being a patent nail. There is also a marble mill in this town, where large quantities of marble are manufactured for various uses, and sent to Boston, Providence, Worcester and many other places, for a market. The marble is obtained at the limestone rock quarry, in Smithfield.

The population of this town, in 1810, was 2110; and there are 306 Dwelling-houses, 280 Electors, 3 companies of Militia, 1 Rifle company, and part of a company of Cavalry.

The amount of taxable property, according to the United States assessment, in 1815, was $528,220.

The town is well supplied with schools, there being nine regular schools, which are accommodated with school houses. Besides which, there are several that are occasionally maintained in private houses. It is estimated that there are from 350 to 400 scholars usually receiving instruction in this town.

There are four Religious Societies; two of Baptists, one of Methodists and one of Friends, all of which are accommodated with houses for public worship.

The first settlement in this town was about the year 1710; and it was incorporated in 1746.


A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... : with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State
Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles
Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819



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