Knightsville, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
History
Knightsville is named after local inn keeper and U.S. Congressman Nehemiah KnightNehemiah Knight
Nehemiah Knight was a United States Representative from Rhode Island. Born in Knightsville within the town of Cranston, now a suburb of Providence. He attended the common schools, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was town clerk from 1773 to 1800...
(1746–1808). The Knights were descendants of early English emigrants who were some of the earliest settlers in the area. According to at least one source:
Early town meetings in the 18th century were held in Caleb Arnold's tavern, Nehemiah Knight's tavern (currently on the site of present city building), and the old Knightsville Meetinghouse
Knightsville is known to some residents as Monkeytown, and Cranston Street leading to Knightsville is sometimes referred to as Monkeytown Road. One legend has it that a local lad joined a seafaring voyage, and when he returned he brought back a most unusual creature with him--a monkey in a cage. People traveled from all over to see the animal. Monkeytown is hardly a respectable name for the community named after the Knight family, which owned much of the land and was dominant in state and local government.
Knightsville Meetinghouse
The Knightsville Meetinghouse is an historic church and meeting hall building at 67 Phenix Avenue within the village of Knightsville in Cranston, Rhode Island....
. In 1843 Amasa Sprague, a textile entrepreneur, was beaten to death near what was is now St. Ann Cemetery. His alleged murderer, John Gordon, was the last person executed in Rhode Island. By the turn of the 20th century, the city was home to various thriving businesses and industries, attracting large numbers of European immigrants. Many residents are now Italian-American, with many able to trace their lineage to Itri
Itri
Itri is a small city and comune in the central Italian region of Latium and the Province of Latina.Itri is an agricultural centre divided in two parts by a small river, the Pontone. It lies in a valley between the Monti Aurunci and the sea, not far from the Gulf of Gaeta...
, a small Italian village approximately half way between Rome and Naples.
Cultural attractions
The historic Knightsville MeetinghouseKnightsville Meetinghouse
The Knightsville Meetinghouse is an historic church and meeting hall building at 67 Phenix Avenue within the village of Knightsville in Cranston, Rhode Island....
, built in 1807, is located within the village. The neighborhood also features church celebrations including the Feast of Saint Mary, under the title of Maria Santissima della Civita, a weeklong celebration featuring a carnival, fireworks, and a religious procession. It is held every July and attracts thousands of visitors. The actual feast day is July 21, and is celebrated the closest weekend to that date. Knightsville is home to several churches, including St. Mary's, St. Ann's, and Knightsville-Franklin Congregational Church. The neighborhood also has a public library
Public library
A public library is a library that is accessible by the public and is generally funded from public sources and operated by civil servants. There are five fundamental characteristics shared by public libraries...
and a large park containing a playground, basketball court, and baseball field named after Anthony J. Sivo who was killed in the Vietnam War.
See also
- Cranston, Rhode IslandCranston, Rhode IslandCranston, 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...
- Nehemiah KnightNehemiah KnightNehemiah Knight was a United States Representative from Rhode Island. Born in Knightsville within the town of Cranston, now a suburb of Providence. He attended the common schools, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was town clerk from 1773 to 1800...
- Knightsville Meeting House