Lawton's Valley
REWHC's Involvement - An Introduction
  Background
Along the southern edge of the property, across the security fence, lies a rocky gorge with a brook running through it. Known since colonial time as Lawton's Valley, it is the site of waterworks, mills, and the subject of poetry by famous authors. Steep rocky cliffs angle sharply to the valley floor 50 to 100 feet below. Inaccessibility has allowed old growth trees to prosper with some subjects over three hundred years old. The foundations of old mills still exist and during low water, a remnant of a grinding stone of years past can be seen. Ownership of the Valley is divided between Raytheon, Bayview Apartments, Newport Water, and the US Government.

Process
We will catalog the historical and natural features of the valley to support its protection. We will work with local organizations such as the Aquidneck Island Land Trust to map out a strategy for the Valley. We will speak with Owners for development of easements. We will provide leadership in discussions for appropriate development of the Valley to enable access and education. We will develop an interpretive, educational trail in line with community desires.

Progress
We have begun the survey of the historic and natural features of the valley. Many of the historic features found to date appear in these pages. We have made initial contact with the Aquidneck Island Land Trust.
 Lawton Valley Links
  Introduction
  Timeline to History
  Lawton Family Arms
  Lawton Valley Revisited
  Battle Hymn of the Republic
  Portsmouth Compact(s)
  Peterson's History o f RI
  Enchanted Forest
  Water Mills (NHS)

    Maud Howe Elliot:
    This Was My Newport
  Arriving Lawton's Valley
  Receiving Visitors
  A Children's Adventure


"A Glimpse of Lawton's Valley near Newport Rhode Island",
A Postcard:
ca. 1909, Robbins Bros. Co.


The Flag
 by Julia Ward Howe

There's a flag hangs over my threshold
Whose folds are more dear to me
Than the blood that thrills in my bosom
Its earnest of liberty.

And dear are the stars it harbors
In its sunny field of blue,
As the hope of a further Heaven
That lights all our dim lives through.

Weave no more silks, ye Lyons looms,
To deck our girls for gay delights!
The crimson flower of battle blooms,
And solemn marches fill the night.

Weave but the flag whose bars to-day
Drooped heavy o'er our early dead,
And homely garments, coarse and gray,
For orphans that must earn their bread!
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