Rhode Island Tercentenary Issue First Day Cover
300th Anniversary of the Settlement of Rhode Island
Issued on May 4, 1936 in Providence, RI - Scott #777

Unofficial Town Cancel - Jamestown, RI
1st John B. Kilton Cachet - Planty #777-61g

The Jamestown Post Office, (Jamestown Township, Newport County) was established on April 12, 1836 under Postmaster Caleb Weaver. The post office was disestablished on December 31, 1836. The second Jamestown Post Office was established on February 23, 1847 and disestablished on April 10, 1850. The third Jamestown Post Office was established on July 5, 1850 under Postmaster Benjamin Congdon. This Post Office is currently in operation under Postmaster Charles V. Burns appointed on May 28, 2005.
(There are no known covers from the first Jamestown Post Office.)

The official Jamestown Library (Historical) Website states that, "The first post office was established in 1844, with William A. Weeden, Jr., as the postmaster." This contradicts the information in "Rhode Island Postal History" by Merolla, Jackson and Crowther. William Weeden was actually the first Postmaster of the 2nd Jamestown Post Office established in 1847.

The island of Conanicut, (Jamestown) takes it name from the Narragansett Indian Chief Canonicus. Conanicut Island was purchased by Benedict Arnold and William Coddington from the Narragansett's in 1657. The town of Jamestown (originally James Towne - for King James) was incorporated on November 4, 1678. 

NOTE: The Benedict Arnold mentioned above was not the Arnold of later infamy. It is believed that the old Stone Tower in Newport, RI was originally built as a mill by Arnold. SEE: Settling of Rhode Island - Doback Cachet with Old Stone Mill History

Four Islanders are mentioned as being engaged in the African and West Indies slave trade during the early 19th century. They were Captains Gardiner, Eldred, Fowler, and Remington. The Weeden and Weaver families are both mentioned as being prominent in early Jamestown history. Other families that were prominent in early Jamestown history include the Anthonys, Arnolds, Carrs, Gardiners, Howlands, Hulls, and Watsons.

There are two bridges connecting Jamestown with the mainland on either side of the bay; to Plum Point in North Kingstown and to Newport. Prior to the bridges being constructed, there were a number of ferries operating to both sides of the bay. The last of these ferries; the Newport Ferry was in operation until 1969 when the Claiborne Pell Bridge was completed between Jamestown and Newport. Prior to 1940, there were also ferries in operation between Jamestown and Saunderstown and Jamestown and South Ferry Landing.

The first ferry was established between Jamestown and Newport by Governor Carr who obtained the charter in 1695. Ferry service was established to the West Shore (North Kingstown) in 1709. During the Revolutionary War both ferries and landings were destroyed by the British, who also burned and destroyed the town of Jamestown except for the house of the Tory, Captain John Martin. 

Beavertail Lighthouse, at the extreme southern point of the island is no longer operational, but is maintained as a historic site and attracts many visitors annually. 
SEE: Beavertail Light Event Cover - RIPEX 27 Event Cover - Includes history of the Light and a personal narrative.

Sources:
Check List of Rhode Island Post Offices 1790-1994 - Del Beaudreau
Rhode Island Postal History: The Post Offices - Merolla, Jackson & Crowther