📍 Location & Geography
Ashaway is a charming village nestled in the southwestern corner of Rhode Island, within the town of Hopkinton. It is part of Washington County and is located approximately 45 miles south of the state capital, Providence. The village is bounded by the Pawcatuck River to the west, which separates it from the state of Connecticut.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Ashaway, Rhode Island are approximately 41.4253° N latitude and 71.7883° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Ashaway is part of the New England region of the United States. The village spans an area of approximately 1.5 square miles, a portion of which includes water bodies like the Pawcatuck River and Crandall Swamp.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Ashaway had a population of approximately 1,485 residents. The village is predominantly Caucasian, with a small percentage of other ethnicities. The median age of the population is around 39 years.
🏛️ History
Ashaway was originally inhabited by the Narragansett Indians before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The village’s name is derived from the Native American term “Nashaway,” meaning “land between” or “land in the middle.” The village was officially established in 1682. It was known for its manufacturing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for its production of fishing lines and tennis racket strings.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Ashaway is known for its scenic beauty, with the Pawcatuck River and Crandall Swamp offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and bird-watching. The village is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Crandall Field and the Ashaway Free Library Park. The area has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
🏫 Education
Education in Ashaway is managed by the Chariho Regional School District, which serves the towns of Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton. Ashaway Elementary School is the primary educational institution in the village, serving students from kindergarten through fourth grade.
🚧 Transportation
Ashaway is served by several major roads, including Route 3, which runs north-south through the village, and Interstate 95, which is located just to the east. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, approximately 40 miles to the northeast. Public transportation is provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
📜 Trivia & Events
Ashaway is home to the Ashaway Line and Twine Mfg. Co., one of the oldest manufacturers of fishing lines and racket strings in the U.S., established in 1824. The village also hosts several annual events, including the Hopkinton State Fair on Labor Day weekend and the Ashaway Firemen’s Parade in July.