Coventry, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
Coventry is a town
in Kent County
, Rhode Island
, United States
. The population was 35,014 at the 2010 census
.
, the town has a total area of 62.3 sq mi (161.4 km²). 59.5 sq mi (154.1 km²) of it is land and 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) of it (4.49%) is water. The town is bordered by West Warwick
to the east, Foster
, Scituate
, and Cranston
to the north, West Greenwich
and East Greenwich
to the south, and Sterling
, Connecticut
to the west. It is the largest town in land area in Rhode Island, being surpassed in total area only by South Kingstown, Rhode Island
, with water and land area of 79.8 square miles (206.7 km²).
. For the rest of the 18th century, Coventry remained a rural town populated by farmers. Among the buildings that survive are the Waterman Tavern (1740s), the Nathanael Greene Homestead (1770), and the Paine Homestead (late 17th century/early 18th century). The oldest church in Coventry, Maple Root Baptist Church, dates from the end of the 18th century. The congregation was organized in 1762 and was affiliated with the General Six-Principle Baptists
.
During the War of Independence
, the people of Coventry were supporters of the patriot cause. Nathanael Greene
, a resident of Coventry, rose through the ranks to become a leading general of the American army. By the end of the war, Greene was second in command in the US army after George Washington.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution came to Coventry with the building of the first mill in Anthony. Over the next century, the eastern end of town became very industrialized, with manufacturing centers being located in Anthony, Washington, Quidnick, and Harris villages. Many of the old factories still stand in the town, and the village centers (in particular Anthony and Quidnick) remain mostly intact. The demographics of the town also changed as these new mill villages were populated by French Canadian and Irish immigrants. By the end of the 19th century, almost one fourth of the population was born outside the US, and French was the primary language for many of the people in the eastern part of Coventry. Not all immigrants, however, worked in the factories. Census records from the late 19th century show that some of them owned farms.
By comparison, the western end of the town remained very rural, with the only centers of population being located at Greene and Summit, both being established as railroad stations on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad
.
In the 20th century, the town went through much change. The advent of the automobile brought an end of the railroad (which was dismantled in the 1970s, and only within the past 10 years, revitalized as the Washington Secondary Rail Trail|Greenway). Most of the old factories closed during this time. In the late 20th century, many new people moved to Coventry, most of them being from the Providence area. These newcomers moved because of the large amount of land available to build on. The eastern part of the town became suburbanized. Currently, there is a movement in the town to limit new homes in order to keep the rural flavor of the western part of the town.
Recently, the town has been investing in the Coventry Greenway. The Coventry Greenway is a pedestrian and bicycle path built on the old New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad right-of-way and is part of the East Coast Greenway
(Nationally). The path travels 15 miles (24.1 km) from the Connecticut
State line to the West Warwick
town line. Currently the Coventry greenway is paved from the West Warwick town line to Coventry center with long term plans to pave west towards Sterling, CT.
Anthony - Mill village in the eastern part of town.
Greene
- Old railroad village in the western end of town.
Harris - Mill village in the northeastern part of town.
Hopkins Hollow - Rural hamlet in the southwestern part of town, almost unchanged in over 150 years.
Quidnick - Mill village on the border of West Warwick.
Rice City - Rural village in the northwestern part of town, dominated by Rice Tavern (1804), which used to serve travelers on their way to Connecticut.
Summit - Railroad village near Greene.
Washington - Mill village in the center of the town.
of 2000, there were 33,668 people, 12,596 households, and 9,295 families residing in the town. The population density
was 565.5 people per square mile (218.3/km²). There were 13,059 housing units at an average density of 219.3 per square mile (84.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.60% White, 0.39% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races
, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.
There were 12,596 households out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples
living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $51,987, and the median income for a family was $60,315. Males had a median income of $40,174 versus $29,357 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $22,091. About 3.6% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Kent County
Kent County, Rhode Island
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 167,090 people, 67,320 households, and 44,969 families residing in the county. The population density was 982 people per square mile . There were 70,365 housing units at an average density of 414 per square mile...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 35,014 at the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 62.3 sq mi (161.4 km²). 59.5 sq mi (154.1 km²) of it is land and 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) of it (4.49%) is water. The town is bordered by West Warwick
West Warwick, Rhode Island
West Warwick is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 29,191 at the 2010 census.West Warwick was incorporated in 1913, making it the youngest town in the state. Prior to 1913, the town, situated on the western bank of the Pawtuxet River, was the population and...
to the east, Foster
Foster, Rhode Island
Foster is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, in the United States. The population was 4,606 at the 2010 census.- History :Foster was originally settled in the 17th century by British colonists as a farming community...
, Scituate
Scituate, Rhode Island
Scituate is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 10,329 at the 2010 census.-History:Scituate was first settled in 1710 by emigrants from Scituate, Massachusetts...
, and Cranston
Cranston, Rhode Island
Cranston, once known as Pawtuxet, is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. With a population of 80,387 at the 2010 census, it is the third largest city in the state. The center of population of Rhode Island is located in Cranston...
to the north, West Greenwich
West Greenwich, Rhode Island
West Greenwich is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 6,135 at the 2010 census. West Greenwich was named for Greenwich, Kent, England...
and East Greenwich
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
East Greenwich is a town in and the county seat of Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 13,146 at the 2010 census. East Greenwich is the wealthiest municipality within the state of Rhode Island....
to the south, and Sterling
Sterling, Connecticut
Sterling is a town in Windham County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 3,099 at the 2000 census.-Local History:The town was incorporated in 1794 following approval of the CT Assembly, and was carved from northern part of the Town of Voluntown...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
to the west. It is the largest town in land area in Rhode Island, being surpassed in total area only by South Kingstown, Rhode Island
South Kingstown, Rhode Island
South Kingstown is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 30,639 at the 2010 census.South Kingstown includes the villages of Kingston, West Kingston, Wakefield, Peace Dale, Snug Harbor, Tuckertown, East Matunuck, Matunuck, Green Hill, and Perryville. Peace...
, with water and land area of 79.8 square miles (206.7 km²).
History
Coventry was first settled in the early 18th century, when the town was part of Warwick. Since the area was so far away from the center of Warwick, the area that became Coventry grew very slowly. However, by 1741, enough farmers (about 100 families) had settled in the area that they petitioned the General Assembly of Rhode Island to create their own town. The petition was granted, and the new town was named Coventry, Coventry was named after the English city of CoventryCoventry
Coventry is a city and metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands in England. Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. It is also the second largest city in the English Midlands, after Birmingham, with a population of 300,848, although...
. For the rest of the 18th century, Coventry remained a rural town populated by farmers. Among the buildings that survive are the Waterman Tavern (1740s), the Nathanael Greene Homestead (1770), and the Paine Homestead (late 17th century/early 18th century). The oldest church in Coventry, Maple Root Baptist Church, dates from the end of the 18th century. The congregation was organized in 1762 and was affiliated with the General Six-Principle Baptists
General Six-Principle Baptists
The Six-Principle Baptists were the first Baptist association in the Americas. The "six-principles" adhered to are those listed in :* Repentance* Faith* Baptism* Laying on of hands* Resurrection of the dead* Final judgment...
.
During the War of Independence
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, the people of Coventry were supporters of the patriot cause. Nathanael Greene
Nathanael Greene
Nathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible; he emerged from the war with a reputation as George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer. Many places in the United...
, a resident of Coventry, rose through the ranks to become a leading general of the American army. By the end of the war, Greene was second in command in the US army after George Washington.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution came to Coventry with the building of the first mill in Anthony. Over the next century, the eastern end of town became very industrialized, with manufacturing centers being located in Anthony, Washington, Quidnick, and Harris villages. Many of the old factories still stand in the town, and the village centers (in particular Anthony and Quidnick) remain mostly intact. The demographics of the town also changed as these new mill villages were populated by French Canadian and Irish immigrants. By the end of the 19th century, almost one fourth of the population was born outside the US, and French was the primary language for many of the people in the eastern part of Coventry. Not all immigrants, however, worked in the factories. Census records from the late 19th century show that some of them owned farms.
By comparison, the western end of the town remained very rural, with the only centers of population being located at Greene and Summit, both being established as railroad stations on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad
New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad
The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad , was a railroad that operated in the northeast United States from 1872 to 1968 which served the states of Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts...
.
Recreation
Coventry offers several recreation facilities. The town has youth sport leagues for football (boasting the 2006 American Youth Football National title), basketball, baseball, and softball. Carbuncle Pond off of Rt 14 (Plainfield Pike) near the Connecticut border, is a 39 acres (157,827.5 m²) pond that is popular for freshwater fishing. Johnson's Pond, a waterfront neighborhood, houses facilities for fishing and watersports. Wakeboarding Magazine rated Johnson's Pond as the best location for wakeboarding in Rhode Island. The 860 acres (3.5 km²) George B Parker woodland, owned by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, offers several hiking trails. The woodland caretaker's home dates from the mid 18th century.East Coast Greenway
The East Coast Greenway, or ECG, is a project to create a nearly urban path linking the major cities of the Atlantic coast of the United States, from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida, for non-motorized human transportation...
(Nationally). The path travels 15 miles (24.1 km) from the Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
State line to the West Warwick
West Warwick, Rhode Island
West Warwick is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 29,191 at the 2010 census.West Warwick was incorporated in 1913, making it the youngest town in the state. Prior to 1913, the town, situated on the western bank of the Pawtuxet River, was the population and...
town line. Currently the Coventry greenway is paved from the West Warwick town line to Coventry center with long term plans to pave west towards Sterling, CT.
Villages
Coventry has a large number of old villages dating from the 19th century, they are:Anthony - Mill village in the eastern part of town.
Greene
Greene, Rhode Island
Greene is a village and census-designated place in the southwest corner of the town of Coventry, Rhode Island, United States. It is on the Connecticut border, just north of West Greenwich. The name derives from Nathanael Greene, a Rhode Island-born general in the American...
- Old railroad village in the western end of town.
Harris - Mill village in the northeastern part of town.
Hopkins Hollow - Rural hamlet in the southwestern part of town, almost unchanged in over 150 years.
Quidnick - Mill village on the border of West Warwick.
Rice City - Rural village in the northwestern part of town, dominated by Rice Tavern (1804), which used to serve travelers on their way to Connecticut.
Summit - Railroad village near Greene.
Washington - Mill village in the center of the town.
Historic homes
Coventry boasts many old homes, churches and cemeteries. Farmhouses from the 18th century can be found scattered around the town, and many are still private residences. On the eastern side of town, many homes from the 19th century can be found, ranging from the 2 family mill workers residence to mansions owned by the town elites. The village of Greene and the Rice City and Hopkins Hollow parts of town have remained unchanged since the 19th century. Also, many of the churches in Coventry date from the 19th century and are still functioning churches.National Historic Places in Coventry
- Isaac Bowen HouseIsaac Bowen HouseThe Isaac Bowen House is an historic house in Coventry, Rhode Island built in 1795 and added to the National Historic Register in 1980....
(1795) - Joseph Briggs House-Coventry Town FarmJoseph Briggs House-Coventry Town FarmThe Joseph Briggs House at Coventry Town Farm is an historic house in Coventry, Rhode Island.The house was built in 1790 and was added to the National Historic Register in 1987....
(1790) - Carbuncle Hill Archaeological District, RI-1072-1079Carbuncle Hill Archaeological District, RI-1072-1079Carbuncle Hill Archaeological District, RI-1072-1079 is a historic district in Coventry, Rhode Island.The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985....
- General Nathanael Greene Homestead (1774)
- Interlaken Mill BridgeInterlaken Mill BridgeInterlaken Mill Bridge is an historic site spanning the Pawtuxet River at Arkwright in Coventry, Rhode Island.The bridge was built in 1885 and added to the National Historic Register in 1978....
(1885) - Moosup River Site (RI-1153)Moosup River Site (RI-1153)Moosup River Site is an historic site in Coventry, Rhode Island.The site was added to the National Historic Register in 1987....
- Paine HousePaine HouseThe Paine House Museum is an historic house on Station Street in Coventry, Rhode Island. The house has been furnished to reflect the Colonial era, and is operated as a historic house museum by the Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society. Visitation is from May through September on...
(1748) - Pawtuxet Valley Dyeing CompanyPawtuxet Valley Dyeing CompanyPawtuxet Valley Dyeing Company is a manufacturing facility in the town of Coventry, Rhode Island. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005....
(1859) - Read School (1831)
- Rice City Historic DistrictRice City Historic DistrictRice City Historic District is a historic district in Coventry, Rhode Island.The district was built in 1732 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980....
- South Main Street Historic District (Coventry, Rhode Island)South Main Street Historic District (Coventry, Rhode Island)South Main Street Historic District is a historic district in Coventry, Rhode Island on Cady, South Main, and Wood Streets.The area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.-References:...
- Waterman TavernWaterman TavernWaterman Tavern, also known as Waterman's Tavern, was built in 1744 on Maple Valley Road in Coventry, Rhode Island. It is a historic building that was along the march route of Count de Rochambeau's army....
(1744) - William Waterman HouseWilliam Waterman HouseThe William Waterman House is an historic house at RI 102 in Coventry, Rhode Island.The house was built in a Federal style and added to the National Historic Register in 1980....
- Wilson-Winslow HouseWilson-Winslow HouseWilson-Winslow House is an historic house at 2414 Harkney Hill Road in Coventry, Rhode Island.The house was built in 1812 and added to the National Historic Register in 1993....
(1812)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 33,668 people, 12,596 households, and 9,295 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 565.5 people per square mile (218.3/km²). There were 13,059 housing units at an average density of 219.3 per square mile (84.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.60% White, 0.39% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.
There were 12,596 households out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $51,987, and the median income for a family was $60,315. Males had a median income of $40,174 versus $29,357 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $22,091. About 3.6% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people from Coventry
- Henry B. AnthonyHenry B. AnthonyHenry Bowen Anthony was a United States newspaperman and political figure. He served as the editor and later part owner of the Providence Journal and later was the 21st Governor of Rhode Island between 1849 and 1851, as a member of the Whig Party.The son of William Anthony and Mary Kennicut...
(1815–1884), born in Coventry, notorious anti-Catholic newspaperman, later became a United States Senator and Governor of Rhode Island - Henry P. BaldwinHenry P. BaldwinHenry Porter Baldwin , a descendant of pilgrim father Nathaniel Baldwin, was the 15th Governor of Michigan and U.S. Senator from the state of Michigan.-Early life in Rhode Island:...
(1814–1892) served as the governor of MichiganGovernor of MichiganThe Governor of Michigan is the chief executive of the U.S. State of Michigan. The current Governor is Rick Snyder, a member of the Republican Party.-Gubernatorial elections and term of office:...
from 1869 to 1873 and as a U.S. Senator (R-MI) from 1879 to 1881. - General Nathanael GreeneNathanael GreeneNathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible; he emerged from the war with a reputation as George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer. Many places in the United...
(1742–1786) was born in PotowomutPotowomut, Rhode IslandPotowomut is an isolated neighborhood and a peninsula in Warwick, Rhode Island. It borders the Town of East Greenwich to the southwest, North Kingstown to the southeast, and Greenwich Bay on all other sides....
and moved to Coventry in 1770. He was a general during the American Revolutionary War. His homestead still stands on Taft Street in Coventry. - Desiree Washington, Miss Black AmericaMiss Black AmericaThe Miss Black America pageant is a competition for young African American women in areas such as speech, talent, style, and poise — it is essentially the black version of the popular Miss America pageant. In 2009 the pageant had its "kick off" in Washington, D.C. to rebrand the competition...
contestant whom Heavyweight boxer Mike TysonMike TysonMichael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...
served prison term for raping. - Mike StefanikMike StefanikMike Stefanik is a NASCAR driver. He currently races in the Whelen Modified Tour, piloting the #16 Diversified Metals Pontiac. Stefanik was named the second greatest NASCAR Modified driver of all-time in 2003. His seven series championships are tied with Jerry Cook for second all-time, trailing...
, NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - HM3 Joshua T. Chiarini, awarded the Silver Star for actions in Iraq in 2006.
- Karl Wilhelm Ludwig PappeKarl Wilhelm Ludwig PappeKarl Wilhelm Ludwig Pappe was a German-born botanist who was a native of Hamburg.He studied medicine and botany at Leipzig, and in 1831 relocated to Cape Town as a physician. His primary focus soon turned to botany, and he began performing extensive investigations of South African flora...
, South African Botanist.