The Seekonk River begins after the Pawtucket River, which flows for approximately 1.5 miles from where the Blackstone River reaches sea level below Pawtucket Falls to the border of Providence and East Providence. From there the Seekonk River flows for approximately 3 miles due south between Providence and East Providence, picks up flow from the Ten Mile River, and eventually flows into the Providence River between Bold Point and India Point.
A prominent boulder on the west shore of the Seekonk River (near the current Gano Park) was once one of Providence's most important historic landmarks. Slate Rock was said to be the spot where a group of Narragansett people first welcomed the exiled Roger Williams in 1636 with the famous phrase "What cheer, netop?", and directed him to his eventual settlement location at the fork of the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers.[5][6][7]
The historic rock was accidentally blown up by city workers in 1877. They were attempting to expose a buried portion of the stone, but used too much dynamite and the stone was "blasted to pieces."[5] Pieces of the stone were later sold for souvenirs. A monument in nearby Slate Rock Park commemorates the location.[5][6][7]
Flora and fauna
The Seekonk River is home to numerous fauna that either migrate to the bay at some point during the year or live there year-round. Several species of fish, shellfish and crab have been documented.[8] Birds include loon, cormorants, herons, gulls, terns, swans and geese.[9]
Spartina and Phragmites grasses are found in high marsh areas, while brown and green seaweeds are found in the intertidal zone. Riparian vegetation includes shrubs such as Rosa rugosa and trees like willow, oak and beech.[10]
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