Potowomut, Rhode Island

Potowomut is an isolated neighborhood and a peninsula in Warwick, Rhode Island. It borders East Greenwich, Rhode Island to the southwest and Narragansett Bay on all other sides. Greenwich Bay, an arm of Narragansett Bay separates Potowomut from the rest of Warwick.

Potowomut's name translates to "land of fires", the Narragansett Indian name for the neck of land.

History

It was originally a village in the Warwick Township of Kent County. It can be called an exclave, since there is no overland connection to the rest of the city of Warwick. Nathanael Greene, a general in the American Revolutionary War was born here in 1742.

In the 1680s, the first white settlers arrived with James Greene at what came to be known as Greene's River. Here, his son, Jabez, built a dam and a mill, later; his descendants established an anchor forge, now located at the foot of Old Forge Road. The Greene family mainly used the land to raise cattle and harvest hay, which was then shipped across Greenwich Bay to the wharf in Apponaug, Rhode Island. Upon James' death, the property passed to his son Richard. A fondness for lavish hospitality and fancy living plunged Richard Greene into deep debt.

Geography

To visit Potowomut by land, one must leave the City of Warwick to get to it. The most common route follows US Route 1 (Post Rd.), and entering East Greenwich, takes Forge Road.

Emergency services

Potowomut's Fire Fighting services are provided by the town of East Greenwich for a yearly fee. Police Services are provided by the Warwick Police Department. [>http://www.warwickpd.org/]

Features and attractions

Today, Potowomut is a reminder of Warwick's past. The peninsula's eastern tip gives a view of Greenwich Bay. The narrow streets have a mix of older and newer houses.

Unique to Potowomut is Goddard Memorial State Park. Goddard Park attracts thousands of visitors each year as Rhode Island’s most popular metropolitan park. Its facilities include a 9 hole golf course designed by Donald Ross, a horse barn where the public can rent and ride horses, a beach with bathhouse, sprawling open fields, and a carousel building for functions. Located next to the park is Potowomut Country Club, a private club.

References