#AtoZ Stay Home! Wear a Mask! "C" is for CHEPACHET
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.
Chepachet (Chuh-PATCH-et) is the name of both a village and the river that runs through it in the town of Glocester. Originally inhabited by the Pequot and Nipmuc natives, the name "Chepachet" means "where rivers meet."
In 1842, Chepachet was the setting of the Dorr Rebellion, an attempt by middle-class residents to force broader democracy in the state by changing the 1663 colonial charter that required voters to own land in order to vote. (A later legislative rule required that a man had to be white and own $134 in property in order to vote.)
Since 1926, the Ancients and Horribles parade has taken place on or around the Fourth of July in the village of Chepachet. The parade features traditional Fourth of July floats and the usual fire trucks and veterans' groups, as well as other displays, often irreverent and satirical, commenting on political and cultural issues. Some of the "prizes" awarded go to the most patriotic, the best political, and the best spirit of '76.
The Brown & Hopkins Country Store resides in a building that dates to 1799.
And the street is great for browsing, especially if you're looking for antiques.
