Central Falls in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Pierce Park and Riverwalk
| | Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | |
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, July 26, 2011
1. Pierce Park and Riverwalk Marker
Due to land disputes and broken peace treaties between local natives and early English settlers, King Philip's War took place for 14 months during 1675 and 1676. Captain Michael Pierce's fight with the natives occured on this spot in March of 1676. From Dexter's Ledge (now the site of Cogswell Tower in Jenks Park) native scouts saw Pierce's troops approaching. One hundred natives and seventy settlers perished in battle. Ten settlers escaped to what are now the monastery grounds in Cumberland. Only one lived to tell the tale.
Erected 1992 by City of Central Falls Honorable Thomas Lazieh, Mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the King Philip's War 1675-1676 series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 26, 1676.
Location. 41° 53.684′ N, 71° 22.966′ W. Marker is in Central Falls, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is on High Street north of Blackstone Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 975
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Providence. 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: Pierces Fight (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sri Chinmoy Peace Bridge (approx. half a mile away); Turbine Power (approx. half a mile away); Waterpower & Dams (approx. half a mile away); c 1820 - 1934 (approx. half a mile away); A Bit About Arches (approx. half a mile away); The Old Neighborhood (approx. half a mile away); Your Key to the Past / End of an Era (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Central Falls.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. King Philip's War, by George W. Ellis, pub. 1906, Chapter XIII, pg. 191.
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, July 26, 2011
2. Pierce Park and Riverwalk Marker
Pierse, cut off from all retreat, fell, and almost the whole of his command were killed or captured, nine of the latter, it is said, being led by a circuitous route to a swamp ever since known as Nine Mens Misery, some miles to the north, where they were tortured and killed.(Submitted on June 22, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
2. Pierce Park and Riverwalk Burials - Find-a-Grave. Pierce Park and Riverwalk includes Find-a-Grave memorials for many individuals buried in the vicinity of the March 26th battle in the days immediately following the fight.
This Pierce Park and Riverwalk "cemetery" on Find-a-grave is not a physical cemetery, rather the location of a battle fought during the King Philips War (1675-76) with historical memorials erected by both state and local governments. Known as "Pierce's Fight," it represents the place where more than forty Englishmen of the Plymouth Colony and an untold number of their Indian allies were killed and buried.(Submitted on June 22, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
3. Names of the Slain as given by Rev. Noah Newman of Rehoboth, April 27, 1676.
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 22, 2026
3. Pierce Park and Riverwalk Marker
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, July 26, 2011
4. Pierce Park and Riverwalk Marker
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 22, 2026
5. Blackstone River along the Riverwalk
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 22, 2026
6. Pierce Park & Bike Path
The stone marker is along the bike path / riverwalk behind the basketball court, between tbe basketball net and the flag pole in this picture.
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, July 26, 2011
7. Pierce Park and Riverwalk Marker
This is a photo of Dexter's Ledge as described on the marker now the site of the Cogswell Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 2,993 times since then and 117 times this year. Last updated on July 23, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 3. submitted on June 22, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. 4. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 5, 6. submitted on June 22, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. 7. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
