Ashton Historic District

Ashton Historic District is a collection of structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s, primarily designed in Colonial Revival and Italianate styles. Most buildings are residential homes mixed with smaller commercial structures arranged closely together along established streets, creating a compact neighborhood appearance.

The district grew during the Industrial Revolution when mills and factories established themselves along waterways, drawing workers and spurring rapid expansion. This period of industrial growth shaped the character and layout of the neighborhood for many decades afterward.

The homes and buildings here showcase Colonial Revival and Italianate design choices that reflect the tastes of factory workers and business owners who lived in the district. Walking through the streets, you can see how people shaped their surroundings to express their status and values during the industrial era.

The district is small enough to explore on foot, with clearly established streets that form a manageable walking route. Start at one end and move through methodically to see the homes and their architectural features at your own pace.

Despite modernization pressures over the decades, the district has maintained remarkable continuity with many buildings keeping their original structure and exterior details. This preservation allows visitors to glimpse how working-class neighborhoods actually looked and functioned during the industrial era.

Location: Providence County

GPS coordinates: 41.93751,-71.43245

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:42