Smithfield is a small town in Northern Rhode Island that was founded in the 1600’s as a farming town. Smithfield was named after John Smith, "The Miller", who was granted land by the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams. Prior to his arrival, Smithfield was originally known as Wionkhiege by the Wampanoag Tribe who utilized the land for its vast hunting and fishing land. Now the town still has the charm of an old farming village with orchards and farms scattered throughout, but it has since been modernized to a mid-size suburban town.
“Stump Pond”, also known as “Woonasquatucket Reservoir” or “Stillwater Reservoir” History:
The Woonasquatucket and its major tributary, the Stillwater River, in the southwestern part of town, were the sites of the town’s most important textile mills and villages in the nineteenth century. Many of Smithfield’s ponds and reservoirs were created during the nineteenth century in response to manufacturers’ needs for a reliable source of water to power the textile mills.
The construction of these important auxiliaries to the original water-power of the town, forms an epoch in the growth and history of the manufacturing interests. There was often inconvenience arising from the lack of sufficient water-power to keep many of the mills in successful operation during the entire season. The one at Georgiaville was compelled, through this lack of water-power, to remain idle at certain seasons of the year, to the great inconvenience of the employees, and damage to the proprietors. Such was the case with many other of the early factories throughout the town. To remedy this difficulty, the General Assembly, in January, 1824, issued a charter to the Woonasquatucket River Co., among whom were Messrs. Zachariah Allen, Philip Allen, Samuel G. Arnold, Thomas Thompson, and Samuel Nightingale. The object of this corporation was the construction of reservoirs along the line of the above-mentioned river, and its several branches, in which should be collected the water from the spring rains, to be held as a supply to aid the running of the factories during the dry season. This was the first charter granted in Rhode Island to a company for this express purpose. The gentlemen comprising this company united their capital, and commenced operations at or near the village of Greenville, and constructed what is known as Slack's Reservoir.
This is probably the first work of the kind ever completed by a corporation chartered for this purpose. In 1827, the Sprague Lower Reservoir was completed. The Waterman Reservoir was constructed in 1838, and, still later, or in 1853, the Stillwater Reservoir was built. These reservoirs cover an average area of five hundred and sixty-six acres. The construction of these reservoirs has added materially to the manufacturing interests of the town and State. With this increase of facilities came also an increased demand for labor, and all this is directly attributable to the enterprising efforts of the gentlemen comprising this incorporated company.
At 300 acres and 2.3 miles long, Woonasquatucket Reservoir in Smithfield is the largest water body in the watershed. The reservoir can develop large waves if there is too much wind. The shoreline in the northern part is largely wooded while the southern part is a bit more suburban.
The local name of “Stump Pond” comes from the tree trunks that remained standing in the water for many years after the dam was built.
Parking is best on nearby MacArthur Drive or Waterview Drive. Please be cautious walking along Pleasant View Avenue on the sidewalk. It can be a busy road at times during the day. Bring your own pen.