Colonial Footnote

Lind, Louise

William Blackstone
First English Settler in Rhode Island

scr-030-067-068

Scrapbook

8: Communication Artifact

Documentary Artifact

Journal - Boston

01/27/1991

Indian and Colonial Scrapbook

William Blackstone has been described as a footnote in History, and is often left out of or is barely mentioned in important publications. However, further investigation suggests he was not a footnote in history at all. Blackstone was the first English settler in Rhode Island, predating Roger Williams by two years. Blackstone, like Roger Williams left Massachusetts in search of further freedom of religion, and the two became friends despite their disagreements. Blackstone has had numerous things named after him including a river, a town, and even a cigar.

Blackstone, William
James, Sydney V.
Williams, Roger
Walford, Thomas
Maverick, Samuel
Conant, Roger
Gibbons, Edward
Thompson, David
Harris, John
Abbott (Servant)
Smith, Edward
Endecott, John
Blackstone, Sarah (Fisher Stevenson)
Blackstone, John
Smith, Richard
DeCosta, Rev. B.F.
Pollard, Anne
Winthrop, Gov.

Boston
Beacon Hill
Cambridge University
Rhode Island
Providence
Cumberland
Church of England
Protestant Episcopal Church
Yellow Sweeting Apple
Boston Common
Pilgrims
Puritans
Shawmut Peninsula
Charles River
Charlestown
Abbott Run
Study Hill
Study Hall
Blackstone River
King Philip's War
Mendon Road
National Park Service
National Heritage Corridor