History of Misquamicut Casey Mylek, Ben Arruda, and Evan Ferguson

Westerly John Babcock and his father James were 2 of the 18 settlers of Misquamicut. John married Mary Lawton (legend has it, they eloped to Westerly and lived alone in the wilderness)

1675- War broke out *between?* John remained in Westerly after the settlers left and fought in the Stonington militia He was considered as an official citizen of Rhode Island and was appointed Conservator of the Peace for Westerly. May/June John died. – Personal property came to 790 pounds, 3 shillings, was “the largest recorded in the town for many years” – He left no will and, by English law, all lands passed to the oldest son, which was James.

James Babcock Signed an agreement stating he would only take half of the farm, the rest being left to his mother

Babcocks & Smiths Joshua Babcock *relation?* built the mansion where he would practice medicine Ran a retail business and became very involved in colonial politics. 1770’s- Benjamin Franklin made visits to Mr. Babcock rumored they were very close friends Joshua appointed first colonial Postmaster of Westerly with the post office located inside the house. Signed RI’s Declaration of Independence on May 4, Joshua dies.

The Granite Industry Orlando Smith discovered a granite outcropping on the Babcock farm – He bought the farm for $8k. 1850’s- Granite business expands to include cutting monuments (it gained a national reputation) Orlando dies.

Babcock-Smith Mansion Renovation of the mansion during this era gave the house a Victorian look. – Stained glass windows in the entryway – Balcony over front door – Wrap-around porch – Interior highly decorated – Reflected the style of the period

Misquamicut Bought by settlers from Sosoa, a Montauk Indian chief Westerly residents set up cottages to use the area for recreation – Became connected to town center & nearby Watch Hill by trolley Called Pleasant View until 1928 Was wiped out by Hurricanes in 1938, 1944, and 1954 – After the 1954 hurricane, a mile-long stretch of beach was condemned to be developed into Misquamicut State Beach