
Sin and Flesh Brook, looking upstream from its outlet at Nannaquaket Pond.
![]() Sin and Flesh Brook, looking upstream from its outlet at Nannaquaket Pond. Quahog.org > Attractions > Sin and Flesh Brook Sin and Flesh BrookRiver of death! Old Main Road, Tiverton On March 28, 1676, a pious fellow named Zoeth Howland was riding from Dartmouth to Newport to attend a Quaker meeting. It was quite a distance to travel in those days, and all the more so because of the dangers en route. Howland had to be careful of wolves and rattlesnakes, and, because of the ongoing King Philip's War, ticked-off Indians.
According to an article by Elon Cook on the Sakonnet Historical website, court records reveal that one man was brought to justice for Zoeth's murder. His name was Manasses (or Molasses), and his punishment was to be sold into slavery. After the discovery of Howland's body, the brook became known as "Sinning Flesh River." Over the years the name has been colloquialized to Sin and Flesh Brook. Since no mention is made in the story of any sin that Howland may have committed, we're not sure of the exact connection, but it's a cool name, anyway.
The brook appears unencumbered by human improvements now, but that wasn't always the case. In the early 1800s it was dammed in a number of places to supply water power for various types of mills. Mill ponds also were a source of ice in winter. If you're going to go poking around in Fort Barton Woods, you'd best take a nature trail map. This flier on cultural history and natural communities might be of interest, as well. Both PDFs appear courtesy of the Town of Tiverton Open Space Commission. And if you see Zoeth, well, tell him we said "howdy!" InformationCost: free Time required: if going into Fort Barton Woods, allow a few hours to stroll around Hours: year round, dawn to dusk Finding it: from Route 95 take exit 20 for Route 195 east to exit 8 in Fall River; follow Route 24 to Route 77 south (Main Road); turn left onto Bridgeport Road just at the north end of Nannaquaket Pond; Old Main Road passes over Sin and Flesh Brook where it empties into the pond. If you continue up Highland Road from there, you will soon come to Fort Barton Woods on the right. What’s nearbyDistances between points are actual distances, without regard to geography or amorous quahogs. Your travel distance will be longer. This article last edited May 4, 2015 © 1999–2021 Quahog.org (with the exception of elements provided by contributors, as noted). |
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