Black Farm Management Area: A History of Owners

Black Farm Management Area in Hopkinton, RI incorporates over 200 years of New England agricultural history. Today, hikers, hunters and trail riders enjoy rambling through the scenic trails; however, 150 years ago it was a growing, working and changing farm much like many farms in and around southern RI.

 

To the north of the farm house is a cemetery. It contains 20 headstones of slate and granite, many bearing the names of former owners and occupants. Included in the cemetery are former owners Isaac and Mary Collins and their children.

 

 Collins Cemetery at Black Farm

Photo Peter Mair II of Wilbur Smith & Associates

 

In 1710, a Quaker named John Collins from Westerly, along with 6 other persons purchased 3,000 acres of undeveloped land in what is now known as Hopkinton. John Collins’ share of the purchase was 450 acres that ran along Wood River.

 

Upon John Collins’ death his several sons inherited his land.  His grandson, Nathan Collins inherited a 46 acre parcel. It was here that he and his wife Tabatha erected the first dwelling on what is now considered Black Farm.

 

In 1817 Nathan Collins sold the property to his cousin Isaac for $450. Isaac and his wife Mary were to become the predominant owners of the farm who used it for agricultural purposes. They are also buried on the property in the Collins Cemetery.

 

Isaac was a local doctor who practiced in Richmond, RI. He and his wife Mary had 13 children. It is during this time historians believe the ell was added to the main farmhouse to accommodate the large family.

 

Black Farm Farmhouse with Ell 

Photo Roberta Randall of RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

 

Isaac Collins increased his holdings by purchasing adjacent parcels. At the time of his death in 1841, the farm had been increased to 197 acres; 182 acres in pasture, cultivation, and orchard, and 15 acres of wood lot. Isaac also built a corn-crib and one-and-one-half story barn.

 

Isaac Collins’ son, Thomas inherited one-third of his father’s land and purchased another third from his brother. He increased the farm size to 200 acres, but a large portion was left unfarmed. It was during this period that many local farms were decreasing in size as cereal crops were declining in the east, and growing rapidly in the west. Thomas concentrated his efforts on milk production, wool and gardening to supplement his decline in cereal crops.

 

Upon Thomas’ death in 1896 the farm was almost exclusively used for lumber. He willed his estate to a cousin, James H. Collins. Thomas raised James and gave him a home. A year after receiving the estate James Collins sold the property to Peter D. Palmer, a Hopkinton attorney, for $10.00.

 

Soon the property was sold back to the Collins family when John Collins purchased it and continued the lumber operations.

 

After WWII, the property was farmed and occupied on a seasonal basis. A barn from an adjacent farm was moved onto the property and the home and outbuildings were kept in good repair. 1200 feet to the north of the farmhouse is the foundation of a building said to have been used as an ice house. The ice was harvested from Plain Pond. Plain Pond is a naturally occurring kettle pond on the property.

 

 Black Farm Outbuildings Including Chicken Coop, Barn & Playhouse

Photo Roberta Randall of RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

 

In 1956, John Collins’ son, Arthur Collins sold the property to local poultry farmers Joseph and Anna Russo.

 

The property was acquired in 1964 by Mrs. Margaret McCormack Black. The Blacks sold the farm to the state of Rhode Island in 1991 to be used as open space. The remaining farmhouse and outbuildings were set aside for private ownership and have since been restored.

 

Beneath the surface beauty of the Black Farm management area lies 200 years of southern RI agricultural history. Enjoy the trails and explore the old foundations that dot the woods throughout the area. Take in the kettle pond and imagine it being harvested for ice during cold winter days. Black Farm offers a unique RI experience that incorporates local history with modern recreation. Explore and experience all that Black Farm has to offer.
Photo courtesy Google Maps