This area in the city's southwest quadrant was slowly converted from farmland to a residential area in the second half of the century, in response to growing public transportation. (A regular line of horse drawn coaches had been established in 1855, followed by trolley lines in 1865 and 1894.) The establishment of a number of major industrial companies, most prominently, the Gorham Manufacturing Company was accompanied by the growth of middle and upper-middle class residential areas. In the 1960s many larger buildings were subdivided into apartments, blight and abandoned houses were visible signs of urban decay in the 1970s. In recent years, however, the neighborhood has shown significant signs of revitalization.

Use the map on the left to select a location, or click here for a list.

For further information on Elmwood, consult the Providence Plan website.