The next destination on my Virtual Hike was Providence, Rhode Island which was founded in 1636 by my 10th Great Grandfather Roger Williams.

This segment of the Virtual Hike started in New Milford, Connecticut where my Rowe and Murray ancestors lived in the early 1800’s.

The route goes through Connecticut and on to Rhode Island.

Along the route I noticed an interesting little museum. This is the Marcy Blacksmith Museum. It is located inside the historic Brayton Grist Mill in the Mashamoquet Brook State Park.

Not far from this grist mill is Ellington, Connecticut where my Braman ancestors lived. They were blacksmiths, so it would be interesting to learn about the history of the trade in this area. Perhaps someday I can make a physical trip to this museum.

In Providence there were a couple places I wanted to virtually see. One was the Roger Williams National Memorial. Shown here in Street View is the Visitor’s Center.

I also wanted to virtually see the Roger Williams statue at Prospect Terrace park.

The statue is about 15 feet tall and looks out over the city that he founded. The statue was dedicated in 1939.

The remains of Roger Williams also lie below the statue, after having been moved twice since his original burial in 1683.

Unfortunately the only time I have been in Rhode Island was before I knew that I was a descendant of Roger Williams. I need to take a trip there again someday and visit these places.

I have now caught up on documenting my Virtual Hike. I made it to Providence only a couple weeks ago

I am now heading toward a historically significant place where I want to virtually be on November 21.

Will I make it there in time?

Steven