📍 Location & Geography
Cumberland is a town located in the northeastern part of the state of Rhode Island, in the United States. It is situated in Providence County and is part of the Providence metropolitan area. The town covers a total area of 28.3 square miles, of which 26.4 square miles is land and 1.8 square miles is water. The Blackstone River runs through the town, providing a natural border with Massachusetts.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Cumberland, Rhode Island are approximately 41.9668° N latitude and 71.4328° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Cumberland is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the northeastern corner of Rhode Island, bordering the state of Massachusetts. The town is part of the Providence metropolitan area and is approximately 15 miles north of downtown Providence.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of Cumberland was 33,506. The town has a diverse population with a mix of different ethnicities. The majority of the population is White, followed by Asian, African American, and Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Cumberland is around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Cumberland was originally part of the Plymouth Colony, which was established by the English Pilgrims in the 17th century. It was later incorporated as a town in Rhode Island in 1746. The town was named after Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland. Cumberland was an important site for the American Industrial Revolution with several textile mills established along the Blackstone River.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Cumberland is home to several parks and green spaces. The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park runs through the town, offering trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for fishing and boating. The town also has several other parks including Diamond Hill Park, Tucker Field, and the Cumberland Monastery, which provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
🏫 Education
Cumberland is served by the Cumberland School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The town is also home to the Community College of Rhode Island’s Cumberland campus.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Cumberland is primarily by car, with Interstate 295 running through the town, providing easy access to other parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) also provides bus service in the town. The nearest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, which is approximately 20 miles south of Cumberland.
📜 Trivia & Events
Cumberland is known for its annual Arnold Mills Fourth of July Parade, which has been held since 1927. The town is also home to the Nine Men’s Misery site, which is the oldest known monument to veterans in the United States. Cumberland was the hometown of the first person to receive a Social Security check in the U.S., Ida May Fuller.