In I888 the State of Rhode Island purchased the 140 acre Watson farm for $5,000 in order to establish an agricultural school in Kingston. The farmhouse, probably built around 1796, is the oldest structure on the campus of the University of Rhode Island. This restored home, the Oliver Watson House, is a typical Rhode Island colonial two story farmhouse, which has been used for many purposes. At first the residence of the farm manager, it was soon converted into a women's dormitory. Later it became in succession the home of Lambda Chi fraternity a men's dormitory, a tea room operated by the Department of Home Economics, and finally a nursery school. In 1958, when the new Child Development Center was erected, Watson House was left idle. The farm house stands today as testimony to the University's humble beginnings as the College of Agricultural Mechanic Arts.The house was named after its last owner, Oliver Watson, who occupied the house between 1844 and 1888.

Location: Watson House, 1 Farm House Road
Phone: 401-874-7900
Website: https://web.uri.edu/specialcollections/watsonhouse/