The small town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, is embarking on a unique journey to preserve and celebrate its historic stone walls, an integral part of its identity and rich history. With an estimated 160 miles of these rugged landmarks, the town aims to conduct a comprehensive inventory, ensuring their protection amidst increasing development pressures.
A Stone Wall Legacy
New England's stone walls are a fascinating aspect of its history, with an estimated 240,000 miles once gracing the region. Robert Thorson, an Earth Science professor and stone wall expert, highlights Rhode Island's significance, noting its highest concentration of stone walls in New England in 1871. However, the question remains: how many of these walls still stand today?
Thorson estimates that perhaps half of the original walls remain, a figure that underscores the urgency of Cumberland's preservation efforts. Among the treasures to be documented is Cumberlandite, the official state rock, found almost exclusively in the town.
Preserving a Cultural and Ecological Legacy
Stone walls are more than just historical landmarks; they are landforms that reveal the region's geology and history. They provide habitats for plants and animals, and their military significance during colonial times cannot be understated. Thorson's interpretation of these walls as landforms highlights their ecological and cultural importance, a perspective that adds depth to their preservation.
Cumberland's Historic Sites
Cumberland's document outlining the project highlights several notable historic sites with significant stone walls. These include Franklin Farm, various cemeteries, historic houses, and the site of Town Pound, an old animal enclosure marked by collapsed stone walls. These walls, dating back to the mid-18th century, historically marked agricultural fields, roads, and cemeteries, and their preservation is vital to maintaining the town's rural and cultural identity.
The Preservation Plan
The town's preservation plan is comprehensive, involving the documentation, evaluation, and interpretation of historic stone walls. The consultant will classify these walls based on various criteria, including structure, materials, condition, age, and historic use. This classification will provide insights into historic land use and development patterns.
The project's culmination will result in a stone wall overlay on the town's GIS portal and the establishment of a Historic Stone Wall Preservation Program. This program could offer tax credits to property owners, incentivizing the safeguarding of these walls.
A Collaborative Effort
Cumberland's preservation initiative is a collaborative effort, funded by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and the National Park Service. The town's planning director, Amelia Morton, inherited the project and is excited about its potential. The town aims to start work in August, with the final report due by June 2027. Morton's enthusiasm reflects the town's commitment to uncovering and preserving its historical treasures.
A Broader Perspective
Cumberland's stone wall preservation project is not just about preserving the past; it's about celebrating the unique identity and history of a town. It's a reminder of the importance of historical landmarks in shaping our present and future. As Thorson advocates for similar surveys in other New England towns, the preservation of these stone walls becomes a regional effort, ensuring that the legacy of New England's past is not lost to development.
In my opinion, initiatives like these are crucial for maintaining a sense of place and community. They provide a deeper understanding of our history and the natural world, and I believe they should be celebrated and supported.
