West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission

West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission, Government Organization, West Greenwich, RI.

The purpose of the WGPHC shall be to advise the Town Council in the preservation of the town of West Greenwich’s history, and to develop and carry out programs to document, support, and celebrate the cultural heritage of West Greenwich.

On June 27, at West Greenwich Town Hall, come see the original Declaration of Independence shared with the Town of West ...
06/16/2026

On June 27, at West Greenwich Town Hall, come see the original Declaration of Independence shared with the Town of West Greenwich back in 1776! Also celebrate the dedication of the town's new Revolutionary War Memorial, Louttit Library's 75th anniversary and lots more!

Celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)*...
06/16/2026

Celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)
* The EWG Scavenger Hunt runs for free until June 30th.
* Come celebrate West Greenwich's original copy of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War Memorial Dedication, Louttit Library's 75th anniversary and more on Saturday, June 27, 12:30-3.

Celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)*...
06/16/2026

Celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)
* The EWG Scavenger Hunt runs for free until June 30th.
* Come see West Greenwich's original copy of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War Memorial Dedication, Louttit Library's 75th anniversary and more on Saturday, June 27, 12:30-3.

🇺🇸 West Greenwich Revolutionary War Soldiers Profile, we remember the life and service of Silas James Esq.Silas James Es...
06/15/2026

🇺🇸 West Greenwich Revolutionary War Soldiers Profile, we remember the life and service of Silas James Esq.

Silas James Esq. was born on March 20, 1758. He was the son of John R. James and Margaret Eldridge, and the brother of Maj. Joseph James, who was featured last week in our Revolutionary War Soldier profile.

On January 1, 1786, he married Phebe Tillinghast, the daughter of Charles Tillinghast and Abigail Allen. Together, they had six known children: Abigail, Dr. Silas James II, Marcy, John, Charles, and Giles.

During the American Revolutionary War, Silas served as a Sergeant under Captain Benjamin Hoppin in Colonel John Topham’s Regiment and Battalion. He participated in the Battle of Rhode Island, answering the call to defend the cause of American independence and helping secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

Silas James Esq., also holds a unique place in West Greenwich’s history as the grandfather of Charles T. James (1846–1868) and Silas James (1836–1868), two members of West Greenwich’s infamous “James Gang.” In September 1868, the pair was hanged in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the homicide of Joseph G. Clarke. Their story serves as a reminder that even families with deep roots in patriotism and public service can leave behind complex and contrasting legacies.

Silas James Esq. died on December 25, 1836, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. He is buried in the Silas James Lot, also known as WG-101.

🇺🇸 As we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we honor Silas James Esq. and all West Greenwich’s Revolutionary War patriots. By preserving their burial grounds and sharing their stories, we ensure that their sacrifices and contributions to our nation’s founding will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

Celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)*...
06/14/2026

Celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)
* Sunday June 14 6-8 pm is Trivia Night at Dan's Place
* The EWG Scavenger Hunt runs for free until June 30th.
* Come see West Greenwich's original copy of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War Memorial Dedication, Louttit Library's 75th anniversary and more on Saturday, June 27, 12:30-3.

Today, volunteers and the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission completed a cleanup of the Laban Matteson ...
06/13/2026

Today, volunteers and the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission completed a cleanup of the Laban Matteson Lot, also known as WG-026.

Located within the Big River Reservoir Area, this historic cemetery has suffered severe vandalism and damage over the years. Large amounts of sand were excavated from the surrounding area during the construction of I-95, leaving the cemetery perched approximately 50 feet above the surrounding landscape on a sand hill.

The cemetery has been documented by several local historians over the decades and is said to have originally had 30 stones. It was first recorded on May 10, 1932, by Grace Tillinghast, who described it as being “in the woods on the hill opposite Kitt’s Corner School House.” It was later recorded by Charles and Martha Benns in 1940, Blanche Albro in the 1970s, and John Sterling in 1992. Many of the gravestones have been displaced and will need to be carefully reset once weather conditions permit.

WG-026 is the final resting place of Charles and Meribah Matteson and their sons, Laban, Dillano, Aaron, and Verbatus Matteson. Also buried here are Mary Whitford, the first wife of Verbatus, and the daughter of Capt. Nicholas Whitford and Martha Spencer; Elizabeth Matteson, wife of Andrus Matteson and sister-in-law to Charles; one infant Matteson child; and four infant Cherry children, the children of William Cherry Jr. and Mary Matteson. Mary Matteson was the daughter of Uriah W. Matteson and the granddaughter of Charles and Meribah Matteson.

Historic cemeteries like WG-026 are more than burial grounds—they are outdoor museums that preserve the stories of the families who built and shaped our community. Every stone, inscription, and burial record helps connect present and future generations with West Greenwich’s rich history. By caring for these sacred places, we honor those who came before us while ensuring that their stories are not lost to time, neglect, or development.

The West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission extends its sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who came out to help preserve this important piece of West Greenwich history on a very warm June morning. Your dedication helps protect our town’s heritage for future generations.

A very special thank you goes to Lieutenant Adam Hill of the DEM Law Enforcement Division for granting access to the cemetery through the gate at Kitts Corner, making this volunteer effort possible.

Looking for free fun as school is wrapping up and summer is starting?!?! Sign up for the EWG 250th Spring Scavenger Hunt...
06/13/2026

Looking for free fun as school is wrapping up and summer is starting?!?! Sign up for the EWG 250th Spring Scavenger Hunt! Complete 1 clue OR all 12 and play on your own timeline! Every clue photo you submit earns an entry to great prizes from local businesses.
Sign up at tinyurl.com/EWG250Hunt and any entries need to be submitted by June 30th!

It's your turn to celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is...
06/13/2026

It's your turn to celebrate the US 250th with the West Greenwich Preservation and Heritage Commission! (trivia answer is in the comments)
* Sunday June 14 6-8 pm is Trivia Night at Dan's Place
* The EWG Scavenger Hunt runs for free until June 30th.
* Come see West Greenwich's original copy of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War Memorial Dedication, Louttit Library's 75th anniversary and more on Saturday, June 27, 12:30-3.

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West Greenwich, RI
02817

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