Researchers Uncover History of Multicultural Neighborhood Displaced by Development

Researchers from The Snowtown Project are reprocessing thousands of uncataloged artifacts recovered from two 1980s archaeological sites in Providence, Rhode Island, to piece together the history of Snowtown, a multicultural working-class neighborhood that thrived for 90 years before being displaced by railroad expansion and the construction of the State House in the late 1800s.

The artifacts include dominoes, Chinese porcelain, slate writing tools, collectibles, half pennies, a thimble, and a pierced Spanish real coin. The researchers are using court and town records, city directories, and newspaper archives to reconstruct the authentic narrative of Snowtown and its diverse population, which included Indigenous people, poor whites, immigrants, and Black Americans, including escaped slaves.

The thriving community was seen as a "rough place to be avoided" by Providence's upper class, but it was home to many working-class people aspiring to the American dream, including servants, caregivers, laundresses, and sex workers. About 40% of the neighborhood's residents were people of color, and a large percentage were women.

Despite its vibrant culture and aspirations, Snowtown was eventually targeted for development due to its central location in the rapidly growing city. The neighborhood was destroyed to make way for railroads and other infrastructure, displacing its residents.

Why this matters: The Snowtown Project sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history, revealing the stories of marginalized communities that have been overlooked or erased. By uncovering the history of this multicultural working-class neighborhood, the researchers are giving voice to the people who called it home and highlighting the impact of urban development on diverse communities.

The researchers' work could become the centerpiece of a state archive and history center where people can learn about the stories that have historically been untold. "The artifacts tell a story about the people who lived in Snowtown," said one of the researchers. "We want to bring their stories to light and honor their legacy."

Key Takeaways

• Researchers reprocessing artifacts from 1980s Providence sites
• Piecing together history of Snowtown, a diverse working-class neighborhood
• Snowtown displaced by railroad expansion and State House construction
• Artifacts reveal stories of marginalized Snowtown residents
• Researchers aim to preserve Snowtown's history and honor its legacy