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Sakonnet River

Coordinates: 41°28′16″N 71°13′26″W / 41.471072°N 71.223935°W / 41.471072; -71.223935
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sakonnet River
View of Sakonnet River looking north from Tiverton
Location
CountryUnited States
StateRhode Island
CountyNewport County
TownsTiverton, Little Compton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport
Physical characteristics
SourceMount Hope Bay
MouthRhode Island Sound
Length14 mi (22.5 km)
Width 
 • minimum0.3 mi (0.5 km)
 • average0.7 mi (1.3 km)
 • maximum2 mi (3.2 km)
Depth 
 • average20 ft (6.1 m)
Basin features
WaterbodiesAlmy Creek, Little Brook, Quaket River, Sapowet Creek
BridgesSakonnet River Bridge, Sakonnet River Rail Bridge (demolished), Stone Bridge (demolished)
Inland portsSakonnet Harbor

The Sakonnet River is a tidal strait in the state of Rhode Island which flows approximately 14 miles (23 km) between Mount Hope Bay and Rhode Island Sound. It separates Aquidneck Island from the eastern portion of Newport County.[1]

Etymology

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"Sakonnet" is derived from the Sakonnet people, related to the Wampanoag people who spoke a dialect of the Massachusett language, that inhabited the surrounding area. The name has been interpreted in a variety of ways including "where the water pours forth".[2]

Crossings

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Below is a list of all current and former crossings over the Sakonnet River. The list begins at the headwaters and goes downstream.

Tributaries

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References

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See also

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41°28′16″N 71°13′26″W / 41.471072°N 71.223935°W / 41.471072; -71.223935