Rhode Island Liberator

Friday Flagging: North Kingstown

North Kingstown, the only place in America where someone was dismembered for high treason. And also SeaBees!

Shipwrecks, secession, and scales as Sam Howard examines the flag of New Shoreham (aka Block Island).

This week, we explore Newport, home of naval installations, old mill towers, glorious mansions, and the legacy of the slave trade.

Early focus on reparations ignored that the Mayor is opening a truth and reconciliation process that will force difficult conversations for the City.

Exploring the civic symbols of Narragansett, home to the slave plantations, beach resorts, and squid fishing industry.

Going to the beach at Middeltown, where we’ll see a cool windmill, and some gulls.

What if Rhode Island actually had five political parties instead of two?

The General Assembly has a lot of uncontested seats, and more than a few missed chances for both parties.

Learning about enjoying the ocean and only somewhat-coerced acquisition of land.

Lincoln, “a federation” of mill villages, home to Rhode Island’s major canal and site of some of its heaviest labor unrest.