Exploring Rhode Island's Maritime History: East Providence's Hidden Treasures

Standing sentinel on a small rocky island about 800 feet offshore in the Providence River, Pomham Rocks Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1871. The octagonal structure with its distinctive red roof might be familiar to aviation enthusiasts—it's visible from the right side of aircraft making their final approach to runway 23 at T.F. Green.

While the lighthouse itself isn't regularly open for interior tours, the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse occasionally host special events where visitors can explore this maritime beacon. The best vantage point for families is Lighthouse View Park on Bullocks Point Avenue, where interpretive panels detail the lighthouse's history. I spent a golden hour here last summer, watching sailboats navigate the channel while local fishermen cast lines from nearby rocks.

For the best photos, arrive during early morning when the lighthouse catches the first light, or at sunset when the structure glows against the darkening sky. I recommend bringing a waterproof picnic blanket to make your lighthouse viewing comfortable for the whole family. The spacious design easily accommodates snacks, drinks, and excited children pointing at passing boats.

While not strictly maritime, the Crescent Park Looff Carousel represents the golden age of Rhode Island's coastal amusement culture that once thrived along Narragansett Bay. Built in 1895 by master carousel craftsman Charles I.D. Looff, this National Historic Landmark features 62 intricately carved jumping horses, one camel, and four chariots—all surrounding a Wurlitzer military band organ.

The carousel's survival story rivals any maritime tale. When Crescent Park Amusement Park closed in the 1970s, local preservationists saved this wooden masterpiece from being dismantled and sold piece by piece. Today, it's one of the few remaining examples of Looff's work.

For families with young children, this is an essential stop. At just $2 per ride, it's possibly the best entertainment value in New England. My sister visited with her kids last summer, and I played the proud uncle watching my niece and nephew attempt to grab the brass ring—a carousel tradition that awards a free ride to successful riders.

The adjacent shore offers stunning views across the bay toward Providence. I recommend packing a portable beach shelter if you're visiting during peak summer months. It provides crucial shade for little ones between carousel rides and exploration along the rocky shoreline.

Few visitors—even locals—know about the historic Squantum Association tucked away on Providence River's eastern shore. Founded in 1872 as a gentlemen's club for Providence's elite, this private social club has a fascinating maritime connection: its original members would arrive by boat from Providence, making it essentially a yacht club without the yachts.

While still a private club, the Squantum Association occasionally opens for public events and historical tours. The colonial revival clubhouse perched on Squantum Point offers some of the most spectacular water views in the region. The real treasure, however, is the association's collection of maritime artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia documenting over 150 years of Narragansett Bay's yachting history.

When planning your visit, I recommend calling ahead to inquire about their public tour schedule. The grounds themselves, with ancient trees and sweeping lawns leading to the water's edge, make for a perfect family picnic spot when accessible. During my last visit, I was struck by how the association's wraparound porch framed the bay like a perfect maritime painting.

For comfortable exploration of the extensive grounds, the whole family should wear proper footwear. I've found that water shoes are perfect for this location, as they allow you to comfortably navigate both the manicured lawns and the rocky shoreline where kids inevitably want to explore tide pools.

While East Providence today may not seem like a maritime powerhouse, Hunt's Mills Historic District reveals how water-powered industry shaped this community from its earliest days. The Ten Mile River that flows through this district once powered grist mills, saw mills, and other industrial operations that supported maritime trade throughout Narragansett Bay.

The centerpiece of this district is the John Hunt House, built in 1750 and now serving as the East Providence Historical Society headquarters. Inside, exhibits connect the area's industrial past to the broader maritime economy of colonial New England. I was particularly fascinated by displays showing how timber processed at Hunt's Mills eventually became ships built in nearby yards.

The surrounding park offers beautiful walking trails along the river where you can still see remnants of the old dam system. For families with children, the historical society occasionally hosts hands-on demonstrations of colonial crafts and milling techniques that bring history alive.

When exploring the trails around Hunt's Mills, protection from insects is essential, especially in summer months. I never visit without applying natural insect repellent which keeps mosquitoes at bay without harsh chemicals—something I've become particularly conscious of after seeing how different communities approach environmental protection in my travels.

For the full experience, time your visit to coincide with one of the historical society's events. Watching flour being ground using water power creates a tangible connection to how maritime communities sustained themselves centuries ago.

For a perfect synthesis of East Providence's maritime heritage and contemporary waterfront enjoyment, Bold Point Park delivers spectacularly. This waterfront park sits at the confluence of the Seekonk and Providence rivers, offering panoramic views of the Providence skyline that rival any approach vector I've flown.

What makes Bold Point historically significant is its role as a ferry landing dating back to colonial times. Before bridges spanned these waters, ferries were the lifeline connecting communities. Today, interpretive signs throughout the park highlight this transportation history alongside the area's significance to indigenous Narragansett people who harvested shellfish from these waters for centuries.

The park has been thoughtfully developed with families in mind. A playground, picnic areas, and fishing spots make it ideal for multi-generational visits. During summer months, the park hosts concerts and festivals that draw crowds from across Rhode Island. I've spent several evenings here watching the sunset paint Providence's skyline in gold and pink hues that would make any aviation enthusiast appreciate the beauty of golden hour from ground level.

For families planning to spend a full day exploring, I recommend bringing a portable cooler to keep drinks and snacks cold. Though there are food vendors during events, having your own refreshments makes for a more budget-friendly outing, especially with kids in tow.

Water access makes Bold Point special—bring a compact fishing rod if your children want to try their hand at catching dinner. The park maintains a fishing area where I've seen families teaching the next generation the patience and reward of angling.