Before European settlement, Native Americans planted their crops of corn and beans on Conanicut Island overlooking Narragansett Bay. In 1789, Job Watson purchased a piece of this rich farmland, and for the next two centuries, five successive generations of the Watson family cultivated the land, changing their crops and practices as needed to adapt to the evolving market.
Today, the property is still a working family farm. The farmers raise cattle and sheep for beef, lamb, and wool markets, grow acres of grass for winter hay supplies, make compost for fertilizer, and cultivate a large vegetable garden.
The 1796 house, still used as the farmers' residence, is not open to the public. Visitors are welcome to explore the farmland on their own, following a self-guided walking tour. Educational programs and group tours are available by appointment.
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