Patience Island - Narragansett Bay, RI

Cultural History

The Patience Island Farm covered an area of approximately 200 acres, nearly the entire island, and was a working farm as early as the mid-17th century. The farm buildings were burned by the British during the Revolutionary War. After the war, the buildings were rebuilt and the farm remained in operation until the early 20th century. During the 1960s, construction was undertaken to create a summer resort colony on the island. The colony was never completed; however, the construction did considerable damage to the sites of the early farm buildings.

There is another archaeological site, separate from the farm. This is the foundation of an oysterman's house along the northwest shore. The site probably dates back to the late 18th century when the oysterbeds were leased in the upper bay. The small building was the home of a watchman for the oysterbeds located just off Patience Island. The foundation of the house remains in good condition with little apparent disturbance.

Patience Island

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