Ed. note: The Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy urges all Providence residents to attend the public meetings about the Hartford, Silver Lake and Manton Neighborhoods from September 14 to 17.
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Neutaconkanut Hill is a hidden treasurer. Owned by the City of Providence, the park was ‘forgotten’ for many years. Through the efforts of the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Inc., in cooperation with the Providence Parks Department, the Hill has been making a ‘debut’ these past few years.
The Hill is a place where archaeology, geology, history and nature intersect, a multi-faceted and natural classroom for all, rich for research and discovery.
All aspects of this Hill...impact on Man in his pursuit for community, history, health, knowledge and beauty. No other ‘natural woodland’ such as this exists in Providence nor can it be recreated if the land were to be developed.
Situated in Providence on the Johnston border, the Hill is the highest spot in Providence, offering spectacular views of the City, and nearly a quarter of the State.
Previous research just ‘scratched the surface’ of the unique values of this land. Rich in history, politically and socially; its Native American archaeology; unique geology, and the beauty and serenity of nature. An important gathering place for all Providence residents in the past, until recently, mostly forgotten by all but a few neighboring residents.
History: The Rhode Island Native American Indian lived on the Hill centuries before the white man arrived, and continued to hold ceremonies on the Hill into the 1920s. In 1636 Roger Williams, accompanied by a group of fi ve other ‘believers,’ obtained land from Narragansett Chiefs, Canonicus and Miantonomi and named his settlement Providence in thanks to God. The northwest boundary of this land, set forth by Williams and the Chiefs, was the Great Hill of Neutaconkanut.
The King Family purchased 200 acres on the Hill in the late1600s. The family tree includes such prominent and historical Rhode Island families as the Sprague (past RI governor), Borden, Allen, Waterman, Lawrence and Weeden. Family member, Samuel Ward King, Governor of the State in June 1842, defeated Dorr in what is known as the Dorr Revolution. The last surviving member of the family, Abby King, willed what remained of the land to the City of Providence, with the stipulation that it remain in its natural state.
Archaeology: State archaeologists have noted the archaeological value of the Hill. (A ‘dig’ on any portion of the Hill could/would reveal remnants of Native American Indian and colonial life on the Hill.)
Geology: There are many unique rock formations on the Hill, remnants of the Ice Age glaciers. Past research indicated that here, there are geological formations found nowhere else in the country.
Social/Nature: The park is a classroom-in-nature in all forms. The beauty of these 88 acres, in all seasons, aids in our physical and mental health. Wildlife abounds on the Hill, deer, fox, rabbits, raccoon, skunks, turkey, pheasant, opossum, and ‘many squirrels’; ducks and geese inhabit the wetlands. It is a natural bird migratory route.
Volunteer opportunities are many. To name just a few: - a limited archeological dig in several areas of the Hill - ‘sweeping’ trails reconstructed from the original trails built by the WPA in the 1930s - tree/wild fl ower identification - clearing an early 1700-1800 cemetery on the grounds - erecting trail markers
Equipment is provided to volunteers. (rakes, bags, gloves, insect spray, etc.)
Written by Elli Panichas, President - Robert Fitzpatrick, Vice President
Contact: Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Inc., PO Box 91055, Johnston, RI 02919
401-383-4711 ~ email: ellip5@cox.net
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