Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Archives for railroad

[FEB. 20 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Brian Wallin: “Down to the Sea by Rail – Short Rail Lines of Rhode Island”

February 13, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.
Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.

Unfortunately, the the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass could not accommodate the new member dinner date (Monday, February 20).  But we have a brilliant replacement speaker!  Our February meeting will feature historian, author, lecturer and Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin, who will take us back in time for a richly illustrated, and sometimes humorous, ride “Down to the Sea by Rail”.

For most Rhode Islanders, a ride on the railroad means AMTRAK. But did you known that our state was once home to nearly three dozen rail lines in the 19th and early 20th centuries?

Possibly one of the most interesting (and quirkiest) was the 8 1/2 mile long Narragansett Pier Railroad, the pride and joy of the prominent Hazard milling family of South County. Running between Kingston, where it linked up with the New York, New Haven & Hartford RR, the NPRR chugged through the countryside stopping at PeaceDale (home of the Hazard’s mill), Wakefield and at the oceanfront at Narragansett.

Between 1876 and the last run in 1981, the line gave rise to stories and legends. Alas, the NPRR, like all the other short lines is lost to history. Today, it’s route survives as the O’Neill Bike Path.  So, climb aboard!

Please update Scott Seaback (401-413-6277 || scott@ritemps.com) by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 17 if your ability to attend has changed due to the new date. If there’s no change, then you do not need to contact Scott.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Steak Tips with Bourbon Sauce & Chicken Marsala, served over Rice Pilaf, with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Salad , Rolls & Butter, Coffee and Dessert.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Narragansett Pier Railroad
Narragansett Pier Railroad
Narragansett Pier Railroad
Narragansett Pier Railroad
Narragansett Pier Railroad
Narragansett Pier Railroad

Filed Under: Speaking Program Tagged With: Narragansett Pier Railroad, railroad, speaker program, speaking program, varnum memorial armory

Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”

September 26, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Watch this episode of “State of the State”, where host Richard August interviews Varnum Continentals President Patrick Donovan about moving of two American Civil War cannons from the Rhode Island State House to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, where they are now on display for the public.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

Recent Posts

  • Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet

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