Middletown, Rhode Island, USA (Green's End)
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 article of barley, the cultivation of which has been recently introduced, has become a leading agricultural production, and probably receives more attention here than in any other part of New-England. The orchards of this town are very valuable, and are not only a source of convenience, but form a considerable important agricultural interest. The people of this town are principally agriculturalists; and are distinguished for their industry and economy, and the uniformity, plainness and simplicity of their manner of living.

There are few subjects of statistical or local detail in this town; being situated in the vicinity of a large commercial town, most of the mercantile, mechanical and professional business is transacted at Newport.

Middletown is accommodated with two good roads, both leading from Newport to the upper end of the island.

There is one Religious Society in this town, and five Schools.

The population, in 1810, was 976; and there are about 160 Dwelling-houses, 2 companies of Militia, and 115 Electors. Middletown sends two representatives to the General Assembly.

The town was incorporated in 1743.

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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