It seemed appropriate this year to feature a theme that kept me close to home, so I give you my A to Z within the small acreage that is Rhode Island. I tried to be creative (you’ll see!) but I hope you learn something about Little Rhody, too. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, grew up within the boundaries, or have never set foot on one of our many beaches, come along for a virtual tour.
Ninigret, who was also known as Juanemo according to Rhode Island founder Roger Williams, was a sachem, or chief, of the eastern Niantic tribe in New England. In 1637, Ninigret allied with the colonists and the Narragansett tribe (“N” is for Narragansett!) against the Pequots. The photo above is of the entrance to the wonderful Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
According to history posted at Ninigret Park, after the glacier receded, indigenous peoples lived here in the warmer months, moving inland in the winter to villages surrounded by forest. A mound of oyster shells, called a midden, dating from thousands of years ago, is located in the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, which is adjacent to Ninigret Park.
The area was farmland from the mid-1600s until the beginning of World War II.
During World War II, the federal government acquired the land for a naval airfield. Former President George H.W. Bush trained in 1943, and ultimately 1,500 personnel were stationed at the base. In 1944, Navy pilots trained in night fighter operations. Training was dangerous, resulting in 62 deaths from airplane crashes off the coast and in the nearby woods and swamps. The airfield was decommissioned in the early 1970s. In 1979, the property became the Salt Pond Unit of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.
According to archaeologists, Native people were the first to live off Ninigret Pond and its surrounding lands, taking advantage of the abundant supply of fish, shellfish, and other animals that the pond had to offer.
Martha Reynolds Writes 
I FINALLY made my first visit to this park just last summer……..so cool! Your history lesson is great!
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Ninigret is a great spot. Can’t wait to go back (if it ever stops raining!)
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That navy pilot training does sound like it was dangerous. Weekends In Maine
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So many cool things about Rhode Island! Great post! Living in Rhode Island, have you heard of Community Solar? They are offering a free way to switch to solar energy through the National Grid utility market. It would save you money and help the environment! Hopefully you can check it out 🙂 https://solar12.onlinesalespro.com/swnp-1
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Glad you liked the post. Not interested in community solar.
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This sounds like a place I need to visit!
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What a lovely spot, going by the lovely photos! I have to make a list of the places you’ve mentioned and ask my son if he’s been.
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Another lovely, interesting place to visit this summer.
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I’ve enjoyed reading A-N, Martha. You’ve taught me something about ‘my’ state every day. Thanks Can’t wait to see what X and Z are going to be.
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Nancy, let’s just say I got creative!
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I am really enjoying reading about these places. Thank you
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Every time you explore one of these areas, Martha, I want to visit. This looks glorious.
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I can’t wait to return, Jacqui! It’s a sweet place, pretty quiet, and really picturesque.
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I see all of that in the pictures.
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Hari OM
No regrets for reading about Ninigret!!! YAM xx
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