North Kingston in Washington County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)

Cocumscussoc Archaeological Site

(Smith’s Castle)

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 24, 2026

1. Cocumscussoc Archaeological Site Marker

Inscription. Cocumscussoc
Archeological Site
(Smith's Castle)
Has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America.
1993
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Erected 1993 by National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1675.

Location. 41° 34.994′ N, 71° 27.44′ W. Marker is in North Kingston, Rhode Island, in Washington County. It can be reached from Richard Smith Drive east of Post Road (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown RI 02852, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Narragansett Bay

and in South County.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in

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New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Captain John Gallup (a few steps from this marker); Here Were Bvried (within shouting distance of this marker); Roger Williams (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); North Kingstown G.A.R. Monument (approx. 1.2 miles away); Robert Rodman's Village (approx. 1.6 miles away); Centerpiece of the Rodman Empire (approx. 1.6 miles away); The New Mill & New Beginnings (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Rail Connection (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Kingston.

Also see . . . Smith's Castle - A 17th Century Historical House and Site.

Along the western shore of the Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island is an area known as Cocumscussoc, which is part of the ancestral homeland of the Narragansett People. Cocumscussoc was also the location of trading posts
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 24, 2026

2. Cocumscussoc Archaeological Site Marker
established by Roger Williams and Richard Smith in the late 1630s. Nestled among the cattails and holly trees at Cocumscussoc is a handsome house that has existed on the site since 1678, known for centuries as Smith’s Castle. Although not a castle by today’s definition it was given that name due to its size and sturdy construction.

(Submitted on May 25, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)

Additional keywords. Garrison, Block House

Smith’s Castle image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 24, 2026

3. Smith’s Castle

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 24, 2026

4. Smith”s Castle

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 24, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.