History of Weekapaug Terrace

Chris/Family & Mrs. Struzik to provide additional details for this section

Background of Weekapaug Terrace

The area now known as Weekapaug Terrace was originally inhabited by native Americans. In 1660, a private company was organized in Newport to purchase and settle Misquamicut; in the same year, the Sachem Sosoa, or Socho, deeded to Robert Stanton, William Vaughan and several other associates, the area that approximately comprises today’s town of Westerly. In 1661, house lots were laid out extending along the east side of the Pawcatuck River and permanent settlement began. 

At one time, there was a bridge called Langworthy’s Bridge that crossed the pond for ocean access. The bridge was used so that horse and oxen carts could easily access the ocean in order to pick up piles of seaweed that were used for farming. According to the original Plat of Weekapaug Terrace sale, the bridge had been removed; however, the abutments were said to still be there in 1924.  The bridge also provided for foot traffic across the pond from Weekapaug Terrace to the deeded beach area, which is now located to the right of the Surf Beach Club facing the ocean.

PLAT OF WEEKAPAUG TERRACE

In 1924 Albert and Melissa Langworthy sold the Plat of Weekapaug Terrace to  John Dunn and William Dolan.  The Plat of Weekapaug Terrace was done that included what is now Cove Road (formerly known as Hoxie Street), Salt Pond Way (formerly  known as Winnapaug Avenue), Governor Avenue, Terrace Avenue (formerly known as Ward Avenue), and Utter Street.  The deed associated with this sale contained deeded beach rights to an area which is now to the right of the Surf Beach Club as you face the ocean.  (See important documents for copies of the original deed and the Plat of Weekapaug Terrace map from 1924.)

At this time, there are approximately 131 homes in the Weekapaug Terrace neighborhood.  The 1924 Plat of Weekapaug Terrace showed 183 lots.  Several houses have been constructed on more than one lot.  The neighborhood homes are a combination of seasonal cottages and bungalows, year round houses, as well as newly renovated and newly built year round homes.

A sought after family-friendly coastal community that celebrates the spirit of coastal living with great neighbors, family, and friends.