The Strangest Road Names in Rhode Island and How They Got Them
In the winding streets of Newport, just about 30 minutes south of Providence, you’ll find a curious stretch called Thames Street. While its name evokes the famous river in London, its origins are deeply local, tied to Newport’s maritime heritage. This bustling waterfront road runs alongside the harbor, where you can explore historic mansions and lively shops. The name Thames hearkens back to the colonial settlers who sought to mirror English geography in their new world. Strolling here at sunset reveals a unique blend of old-world charm and seaside vibrancy, making the oddly named road feel both familiar and distinctly Rhode Island.
Head about 20 minutes north to Warwick, near T.F. Green Airport, and you’ll come across a puzzling thoroughfare called “Sowams Road.” This name is a nod to the Native American Narragansett tribe whose village Sowams once thrived nearby. At the nearby Goddard Memorial State Park, you can hike along scenic trails that loop around the park’s ponds and open fields. The park’s natural beauty contrasts with the road’s unusual name, providing a tangible sense of Rhode Island’s indigenous past amid a recreational haven. Visiting in early fall, when the foliage turns, offers a perfect backdrop to reflect on the layered histories embedded in such place names.
Travel west to the rural charm of Glocester, about 45 minutes northwest of Providence, where you’ll encounter “Breakneck Hill Road.” This evocative name fits perfectly with the steep, winding country roads of the Arcadia Management Area. Hiking the area’s trails, like the Nipmuck Trail, reveals dense forests and serene ponds, a sharp contrast to the road’s daring moniker. The name likely originated from early settlers’ struggles navigating these steep slopes. Whether biking or driving this route in spring, when wildflowers bloom, the dramatic landscape invites you to imagine the daunting journeys that inspired such a vivid title.
In the heart of Providence’s Federal Hill district, a street called “Snake Den Road” leads you toward the Snake Den State Park, about a 10-minute drive west of downtown. The park offers rugged hiking trails that rise to rocky overlooks with sweeping views of the city skyline and the Woonasquatucket River valley. The name “Snake Den” reportedly comes from the many rattlesnakes that once inhabited the area, a fact that adds a thrilling edge as you explore the natural beauty tucked just outside urban hustle. Visiting on a crisp autumn morning enhances the experience, with cooler air and less crowded paths perfect for a reflective forest walk.
Just outside of Westerly, near the Connecticut border about an hour southwest of Providence, lies a little road called “Tanglewood Drive.” This name captures the character of the nearby Tanglewood Hills Preserve, a peaceful natural area with gently rolling hills and dense woodlands. The preserve’s trails, like the Woodland Loop, provide an easy hike through a maze of trees and wildflowers—a perfect way to connect with the tangled forests the road is named after. Springtime is especially delightful here, when migratory birds return and the woods burst into color, embodying the wild, knotted nature that inspired the road’s name.
In Bristol, a coastal town about 25 minutes south of Providence, you can visit “Poppasquash Road,” which leads to the Poppasquash Neck Historic District. This area offers a mix of colonial-era homes and a scenic bayfront park. The road’s name comes from the Narragansett word meaning “little pond,” reflecting the indigenous roots that ripple through the town’s waterfront landscape. Walk the trails of Colt State Park nearby, an expansive area with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and peaceful picnic spots. Late afternoon light in summer here turns the water to shimmering gold, highlighting the deep connections between place names and natural features.
Over in East Greenwich, about 15 minutes south of Providence, “Jerusalem Road” winds through a quaint residential area rooted in early American history. It leads into the nearby Goddard Memorial State Park, mentioned earlier, but with a different perspective. The road’s biblical name reflects the Puritanical influences of early settlers, who often chose names with religious connotations. The park’s broad lawns, saltwater views, and historic farmstead provide a peaceful counterpoint to the weighty name. Visiting on a clear winter day, when the air is crisp and the park is quiet, enhances the contemplative connection between place name and landscape.
Lastly, venture to Block Island, about a 12-mile ferry ride from Point Judith near Narragansett, where you’ll find “Bloody Point Road.” This road leads to Bloody Point, a dramatic cliffside park offering some of the island’s most stunning ocean views. The name recalls a 17th-century skirmish between Native Americans and colonists, embedding a fierce slice of history in the landscape. Walking the cliff paths here, especially on blustery spring days when the Atlantic crashes below, you witness the raw beauty and turbulent past that gave rise to such a striking place name.
Rhode Island’s quirky road names are windows into its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonder. Whether tracing Native American legacies near Sowams Road or soaking in maritime echoes on Thames Street, these roads invite travelers to step off the beaten path and engage with stories etched into the land itself. Each name may seem strange at first, but a visit to these very places reveals a deeper, vivid Rhode Island waiting just beyond the pavement.