Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)

A Howling Wilderness

By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

1. A Howling Wilderness Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Though uninhabited on the eve of its settlement by Europeans, this area already had a 7000 year history of activity by native Americans. In 1636, this land was the low, marshy shoreline of a large saltwater cove to the west, along the eastern side of this plot, at the foot of a steep forested hill, lay an old native footpath, the forerunner of North Main Street today.

Left picture
Algonkian Basket, circa 1675, from the Fields Point area of Providence. Tools for mat and basketmaking were among the archeological remnants of native settlements around the cove.

Right picture
Mid-seventeenth century Algonkian Hair Comb. Locally-produced wares have been found as far away as the Ohio River Valley.

Location. 41° 49.816′ N, 71° 24.625′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. Marker is on North Main Street (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Providence RI 02903, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Livelie Experiment (a few steps from this marker); Realizing Providence (a few steps from this marker);

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Roger Williams Founded Providence Here in 1636 (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Roger Williams House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Shelter for Persons Distressed (within shouting distance of this marker); The Original Water Supply (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wellspring of Providence (within shouting distance of this marker); A Changing Nation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.

Categories. • Colonial Era • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers •

More. Search the internet for A Howling Wilderness.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 4 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.