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First known as King's County, the name was
changed in 1781 to Washington County, although most residents still know the
area as South County. Block Island, off the coast of Washington County, was
originally occupied by the Manisses Indians and named after Dutch navigator
Adrian Block,
who discovered it in 1614.
Later, in 1661, it was settled by a party of English from the
mainland. Washington County industry includes resorts, manufacturing
(textiles, furniture, wood products, and food products), printing
and agriculture. The county was once famous for its granite
quarries. The county is drained by the Wood, Hunt, Queen and
Pawcatuck rivers. |
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