Description

Smithfield was originally part of the "outlands" of Providence. Incorporated in 1730-1731, it is said to be named after Smithfield, England. One of the first settlers was William Hawkins, who in 1663 was granted 50 acres of land by the Providence Town Council in an effort to encourage settlement of the area. From its humble beginning, Smithfield has grown to a sizable community of 20,000 people and boasts a state airport and Bryant University. This book of historical images has been compiled from the archives of the Historical Society of Smithfield and the personal collections of local citizens. Most of these rare images have never been published before and bring a unique perspective to bygone days of the town's history.