Babcock-Smith House

The Babcock-Smith House is a 1734 mansion with symmetrical Georgian design, large windows, a central chimney, and period wooden details. The structure was later expanded with additional outbuildings that served various purposes throughout its history.

Dr. Joshua Babcock, a correspondent of Benjamin Franklin and Rhode Island Supreme Court justice, operated Westerly's first post office from here in the 1770s. The property was later taken over by the Smith family, shifting its role in the community.

The house displays furnished rooms from the Colonial Babcock period and Victorian Smith era, with exhibits about the region's granite industry that shaped the local economy.

Visitors can join guided tours to explore the house, which are offered on a regular schedule throughout the week. The grounds are easily accessible and offer adequate parking for guests.

The property preserves extensive granite industry archives, including 19th century order books that document Westerly's role as a stone manufacturing center. These collections allow visitors to understand the region's economic history through original business records.

Location: Rhode Island

Website: http://babcock-smithhouse.com

GPS coordinates: 41.37111,-71.82028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05