Celebrate Native American Heritage in Rhode Island
According to narragansettindiannation.org, the Narragansett Indians are descendants of the aboriginal people of the state of Rhode Island. Archaeological evidence and oral history show that the Narragansett People have inhabited this region for more than 30,000 years. If you are interested in exploring the Native American heritage of the Ocean State, there are many sites of historical significance to visit listed below. There are also museums - particularly the Tomaquag Museum, which is the only museum operated by and for Native people. There's also an iconic mural, Sly Fox Den Too, a restaurant serving authentic, Native American cuisine; and The Purple Shell, an authentic Eastern Native trading post located at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory.
Explore Native American Heritage in Rhode Island
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Block Island Historical Society
Historical walking tours. Historical House Museum - Woonsocket House 1871. Exhibits include vintage... Read More ›
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Canonchet Memorial
A 6,000 lb. limestone statue of historical Narragansett Tribal Chief, Canonchet. Sculptured in 1977 by Robert... Read More ›
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Great Swamp Management Area
This flat, 5-mile trail is inhabited by diverse wildlife. This area offers the best spring birding in terms of... Read More ›
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Great Swamp Monument
An obelisk commemorates of the Great Swamp Fight which took place December 19, 1675, during King Philip's War... Read More ›
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Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology...
Hosts changing exhibitions curated by Brown University students working with the Haffenreffer Museum staff. Read More ›
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Jenks Park
Jenks Park was built on land donated to the city by Alvin Jenks in 1890 and contains the most prominent... Read More ›
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Miantonomi Memorial Park
The highest natural point in Newport, this hilltop was once the seat of power of the Narragansett tribe.... Read More ›
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Museum of Natural History and...
The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island's only natural history museum and is home to the state's only... Read More ›
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Museum of Primitive Art and Culture
The Museum of Primitive Art and Culture is dedicated to commemorating the past while enriching the lives of... Read More ›
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Narragansett Indian Monument
Carved from a single Douglas Fir by Peter Toth, this twenty-three-foot sculpture is one in series of at least... Read More ›
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Ninigret Park
This 227-acre park features a state-of-the-art playground, ball fields, ten-speed bike course, tennis and... Read More ›
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Pettaquamscutt Rock
Walk through the park up a hilly path to this rock, where Indians and settlers conducted business. Today it is... Read More ›
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Pierce Park and Riverwalk
Site of Captain Michael Pierce's fight with the Rehoboth and Canonchet's Narragansett Indians as part of the... Read More ›
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Rhode Island Historical Society
The Rhode Island Historical Society, founded in 1822, is the fourth-oldest such organization in the country.... Read More ›
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Roger Williams Landing Place...
Where Williams first stepped ashore in 1636, in exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was met with the... Read More ›
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Royal Indian Burial Ground
Resting place of sachems (chiefs) and families of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Read More ›
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Sly Fox Den Too
Serving authentic indigenous cuisine Read More ›
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Sowams Heritage Area Tours
Discover over fifty locations, all from the 17th century, that give evidence of the transition from Native... Read More ›
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The Battle of Rhode Island Historic...
The Battle of Rhode Island (also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill and the Battle of Newport) took place on... Read More ›
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Tomaquag Museum
Rhode Island’s only museum entirely dedicated to telling the story of the state’s original inhabitants, and... Read More ›
Great Resources for Native American Heritage
Here are some Native American heritage resources to check out to learn more about Rhode Island's original people, their histories, and stories. The Rhode Island Secretary of State's office and State Archives provided access to their collections, and there is a link to the Narragansett Indian Tribe's official website, among links to other information.