Forestdale, Rhode Island

Forestdale is a village and historic district in North Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, one-half mile from Slatersville, Rhode Island. The historic district runs east and west along Main Street and north on Maple Avenue. School Street is the primary road through the village, and the one-room schoolhouse for which the street is named still stands. The Branch River runs through the valley adjacent to the School Street. The Village Haven Restaurant and local VFW chapter are also located in the village.[2]

Forestdale Mill Village Historic District
Forestdale's main factory block from the nineteenth century, currently has a post office
Forestdale, Rhode Island is located in Rhode Island
Forestdale, Rhode Island
Forestdale, Rhode Island is located in the United States
Forestdale, Rhode Island
LocationE and W along Main St. and N on Maple Ave., North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Coordinates41°59′51″N 71°33′50″W / 41.9975°N 71.563889°W / 41.9975; -71.563889
Area50 acres (20 ha), 50 buildings
Architectural styleFederal, Victorian
NRHP reference No.72000041 [1]
Added to NRHPJune 5, 1972
Forestdale School House

History

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The village was originally owned by the Forestdale Manufacturing Company, a textile mill, later purchased by John Slater & Co. The Mansfield & Lamb scythe-shop manufactured scythes and later tools in Forestdale starting in 1824, and during the American Civil War manufactured swords and sabres for Union Forces. The mills used water power from the Branch River to power their equipment.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b *Walter Nebiker, The History of North Smithfield (Somersworth, NH: New England History Press, 1976).

Further reading

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  • Walter Nebiker, The History of North Smithfield (Somersworth, NH: New England History Press, 1976).
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41°59′40″N 71°33′48″W / 41.99444°N 71.56333°W / 41.99444; -71.56333