Explore three centuries in three miles while commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln, RI.  

One of Lincoln’s featured events is the Annual Great Road Day put on by Friends of Hearthside House.  When the Town of Lincoln separated from Smithfield in 1871, Great Road was already 200 years old.

On September 25th, from 11 am to 4 pm, Lincoln will welcome visitors to explore along one of the country’s first highways. The Great Road Historic District, built in 1683, features some of the original buildings that were in place during those earliest years including farms, historic homes, a factory and blacksmithing shop. Ten of those sites will be open to the public with free admission.  

In addition to the usual sites like Hearthside House (c.1810), Hannaway Blacksmith Shop (c. 1880) and the Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse (c. 1850).  Several other sites that are rarely open or only open for this special day are the Arnold House (c. 1693 and property of Historic New England), Saylesville Friends Meetinghouse (c. 1703 and one of the oldest Quaker meeting houses in New England), Mount Moriah Lodge (c. 1804), Northgate-Blackstone Valley Historical Society (c.1807), Arnold Bakery (c. 1874),  Valentine Whitman House (c. 1694 and recently acquired by Preserve Rhode Island) and Moffett Mill (c. 1812).

The buildings represent an impressive sampling of what was located here in the community during the time when the town of Lincoln was first formed.  As part of the town’s commemoration of its 150th anniversary, two shuttle buses will be provided to make visits to all the sites easier, with continuous runs between sites and parking areas.  

Several of the sites will house special exhibits including Hearthside and Blackstone Valley Historical Society. 

Besides the indoor exhibits, a small Civil War encampment will be set up on the grounds, and Fall treats will be for sale including homemade apple crisp, popcorn, and apple cider.  Be sure to check out the gift shop at Hearthside for a selection of books about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln and other gift ideas.   MORE INFO.

If that is not enough, Great Road is one of the more scenic roads in the Blackstone Valley and is beautiful on a crisp fall day as the leaves turn to autumn shades of red and gold, orange and yellow… make a stop at Lincoln Woods to explore and stretch your legs. 

It is no secret that most recently Great Road, in particular Chase Farm, has caught the eye of Disney Studios. Construction is under way in preparation for the filming of scenes for “Hocus Pocus 2” to begin early next month. As many have, you can take a glance at what’s going on but please respect the work going on and stay in the designated areas at the farm.    

Whether you visit all of the sites or just a few – this should make for a great Autumn excursion. You may also want to stop by the farm stand at the Butterfly Farm for some fresh produce and flowers, and head over to The Lodge Pub & Eatery to end the day for a cozy dinner in a rustic setting.

Be sure to check back at the end of October as Lincoln’s 150th celebration continues with a parade on Saturday, October 30 @ 11 am – 2 pm.  MORE INFO.