Hopkins Mill, West Greenwich Rhode Island
The Hopkins Mill was an extremely rare example of the once common smaller cotton textile mills of modest capitalization that proliferated along the lesser streams of the state during the mid-19th century.
The original building was one story plus attic and partial basement. The plan is significant because it incorporates features common to the much larger mills of the time i.e.: separate stair and water closet towers,, clerestory attic windows and slow-burning timber construction.
Over-all dimensions: 152' x 32'; twenty-two bays; one story plus attic and partial basement; rectangular in shape.
Floor plan: The first and attic floors are rectangular with a privy tower about mid-way along the east elevation and a stair tower opposite it on the west. Originally there was a central row of wood columns running the length of the first floor. These were removed apparently when the building was converted to a cattle barn, An office addition is at the southwest portion of the building.
The building was used for textile manufacturing until 1906 when the machinery was removed. It was converted to a cattle barn in 1915, and used for storage from 1931 to 1968. In 1968 it was condemned by the state to make way for a state reservoir.
