Little Compton in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Turtle Island
Native people refer to North America as Turtle Island.
This description arises from the antiquity of turtles and by picturing the rough shape of the continent. The northern United States and Canada are its head and front limbs; Florida and California are its back legs; and Mexico is the tail. Like the turtle in water the land mounds up, and the edges are living and dynamic, at times growing with the deposition of sediments or eroding with the currents. Here I have chosen a blocky abstract pattern of indigenous plants that are good for pollinators and other indigenous insects combinned with stone to stabilize the shell's shape and slow erosion. Crushed quahog shell creates a bright distinct edge for the installation.
Erected by Little Compton Historical Society. (Marker Number 108.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Rhode Island, Little Compton Historical Society series list.
Location. 41° 29.586′ N, 71° 11.104′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Narragansett Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 walking distance of this marker: Attuck: Sentinal of the Land (here, next to this marker); Wilbor House (here, next to this marker); Squant (a few steps from this marker); Stone Walls (a few steps from this marker); Ancient Connections (a few steps from this marker); Mishoon (a few steps from this marker); The Sakonnet Diaspora / Native Neighbors / The Last 350 Years / The Next 350 Years (within shouting
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
