Palmer River (Massachusetts – Rhode Island)

The Palmer River is a river in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It flows approximately 17 km (11 mi).

Course

The river has two separate branches which converge near the intersection of Danforth Street and Winthrop Street (U.S. 44) in Rehoboth, Massachusetts to form the main branch of the river.

West branch

The west branch (officially West Branch Palmer River) rises in a small unnamed pond near the eastern intersection of Tremont Street and Agricultural Avenue in Rehoboth. It continues roughly south from here until converging with the east branch. It flows approximately 9 km (5 mi).

East branch

The east branch (officially East Branch Palmer River) rises in Little Cedar Swamp in North Rehoboth and flows roughly southwest to converge with the west branch. It flows approximately 8 km (5 mi).

Main branch

After the two branches converge, the river flows roughly south-southwest through Rehoboth and Swansea before crossing into Rhode Island and flowing between Barrington and Warren for its last few miles. At its mouth, it converges with the Barrington River to form the Warren River.

Crossings

Below is a list of all crossings over the Palmer River and its branches. The list begins at the headwaters and goes downstream.

Carpenter Bridge
over the West Branch

West branch

Village Pond
on the East Branch

East branch

Shad Factory Pond Dam
on the Main Branch

Main branch

Tributaries

In addition to many unnamed tributaries, the following brooks feed the Palmer and its branches:

Eponym

The river was probably named for Walter Palmer, one of the founders of Rehoboth.

See also

References