Fox Point is a neighborhood in the East Side of Providence, RI. It is bounded by the Providence and Seekonk rivers, Interstate 195 and the College Hill and Wayland neighborhoods. Fox Point is the southernmost neighborhood in the East Side area of Providence.

Fox Point retains much of its historical character, with housing stock dating from the 18th and 19th centuries in much of the neighborhood. Vernacular interpretations of the Federal, Greek revival, and Italianate architectural styles are well-represented West of Governor Street, while somewhat more recent construction dominates on Ives and Gano Streets.

History

Originally used for farmland, Fox Point's economy quickly changed to maritime affairs with the construction of Providence's first port at India Point in 1680, becoming a major trading point in the Atlantic Triangular trade of slaves, sugar cane and rum between New England, the West Indies, and West Africa.

The neighborhood derives its name from Tockwotten Hill, which was largely leveled (along with slum residences) as part of a public works project in the 19th century. The fill was used to reclaim part of the Seekonk River now consisting of Gano Street and land to the east of Gano Street. Once the area's street grid had been laid, Fox Point developed as a residential neighborhood.

However, with the completion of the Boston and Providence Rail Road, and regular steamship connections to ports along the East Coast, Fox Point became an attractive location for industry. New industry attracted many immigrants, first Irish, though by the second half of the 19th century the neighborhood was home to increasing numbers of Portuguese and Cape Verdeans. Many Portuguese-American institutions remain in Fox Point, though the Portuguese community is much smaller than it once was.

The proximity of Brown University has led to a combination of student housing and gentrification in the neighborhood that has displaced many of the long-term residents.

Demographics

According to the Providence Plan, a local nonprofit aimed at improving city life, 78.6% of Fox Point residents are white, well-above the city-wide average. In addition, 6.4% of residents are Asian, slightly higher than the city-wide average. African-Americans and Hispanics each comprise less than 5% of the population.
The median family income is $55,315, above the city-wide average of $32,058. 8% of households live below the poverty-line while 2% of households receive some form of public assistance. 14% of children under the age of six have been exposed to hazardous amounts of lead. This is due to the prevalences of lead paint in older buildings.

Government

Fox Point is located within Ward One. Ward One is currently represented in the Providence City Council by Democrat Seth Yurdin.

Parks

India Point Park is located along the northern shore of Narragansett Bay. Located at the confluence of the Seekonk and the Providence River, the park is the only large expanse of Bay-side shoreline in Providence preserved for public use.
Interstate 195 separates the park from the rest of Fox Point. Construction plans for the relocation of 195 include plans for a new, larger pedestrian bridge over the interstate, to allow better access between the park and the rest of India Point.

Friends of India Point Park is a notable citizens organizations interested in maintaining the park.

Other Parks include:

• Gano Street Park - a dog park that includes baseball fields.

• Roger Williams Landing.

Schools

The Fox Point area includes only two schools. One of these, the French-American School is a private school teaching in both French and English from kindergarten to seventh grade. This school is located at 75 John Street, near the intersection of John and Hope Street. The other school in Fox Point is the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School. It is located at 455 Wickenden Street, near the Fox Point Boys and Girls Club. The school is a part of the Providence public school system. It teaches kindergarten to fifth grade.

Famous People

Noted American actor, singer, composer, playwright, and producer, George M. Cohan was born on Wickenden Street in Fox Point. A street, George M. Cohan Boulevard, is named in his honor.