Description

Incorporated in 1741, West Greenwich is the least densely populated and the most heavily forested municipality in Rhode Island. Bountiful timber and streams provided raw materials and power for mills and farms. In West Greenwich, photographs of beautifully rugged landscapes, with people working and enjoying the land, show the spirit of the community. This spirit continues today, with residents' efforts to preserve the town's rural character while transforming into a modern community. Brushes with fame include a World War II flying ace, visits from President Eisenhower and the King of Nepal, a connection to the death of King Charles I, and a James Gang hanging. West Greenwich presents the entwined histories of people and their land, in the historical context of a remote village moving into the 21st century.