RI Grand Army-the Republic Civil War MSM Library-Research, 1351 Cranston St, Cranston, RI 02920, US

The Cranston Historical Society operates out of the Governor Sprague mansion on Cranston Street. The mansion was the home of one of the country's most powerful and wealthiest families of the 19th century. The first farmhouse at the site was built in the 1790s. It was expanded in 1864 to accommodate the Sprague's needs. The Sprague Family owned the Sprague Print Works, now the Cranston Print Works. William Sprague, Governor from 1860-1863 and U.S. Senator from 1863-1875, was born at the mansion in 1830. The Sprague Company was one of the largest and richest textile companies in the Civil War era. Today, the Cranston Historical Society is continually restoring and caring for the structure, which is considered Cranston's most important historical artifact. the building can hold up to 100 people for a reception and 60 dinner guests at private functions. The Cranston Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization.