Wickford Harbor – July 26, 2018

Smith's Castle (c. 1678)

The morning was cloudy, but the water was calm as I put-in to Wickford Harbor at Wilson Park. Wickford is located on the West Passage of Narragansett Bay, and is built around a large, well-protected harbor.

Wickford was established in the early 17th century when Roger William purchased land from the Narragansett Indians and established a trading post. In 1637, Williams sold the land to Richard Smith who constructed a large fortified house on the site, giving the house its nickname the “Castle”. That house was burned during King Philip's War, and the structure that can be seen from the put-in today was built in1678.

Wickford Cove with St. Paul's Church

While the backwaters around Rabbit Island and Cornelius Island looked interesting to explore, I headed out into Wickford Harbor as far as the breakwater, and then into Wickford Cove. With the exception of a couple of fishing boats, the marinas were quiet.

I continued down the cove toward the Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) Bridge. Wickford grew to become a major port and shipbuilding center, and today contains a large collection of 17th and 18th century homes that can be seen along the Cove. 

Cormorant at Poplar Point

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Wilson Park from Rhode Island Blueways