The Big List of Cities

Category: P

  • Pelham, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Pelham is a town located in Hillsborough County, in the southern part of the state of New Hampshire, United States. It shares borders with Windham to the north, Salem to the east, and the Massachusetts towns of Dracut and Tyngsborough to the south. The town’s terrain is largely characterized by rolling hills, forests, and bodies of water, including the scenic Little Island Pond and Long Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Pelham, New Hampshire are approximately 42.7340° N latitude and 71.3240° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Pelham is part of the New England region, specifically in the southern part of New Hampshire. The town covers a total area of approximately 26.7 square miles (69.1 km²), of which 26.4 square miles (68.4 km²) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.7 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Pelham was approximately 14,000 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller communities of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in the town is around 40 years old, indicating a fairly balanced age distribution.

    🏛️ History

    Pelham was first settled in 1722 and was incorporated as a town in 1746. It was named after Henry Pelham, a British prime minister. The town was primarily agricultural in its early years, with the local economy later diversifying to include various industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Pelham is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, forests, and bodies of water. The town is home to the Muldoon Park, which offers hiking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Pelham Town Forest is another popular spot for outdoor activities. Pelham also has several bodies of water, including Little Island Pond and Long Pond, which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Pelham is managed by the Pelham School District. The town has multiple public schools, including Pelham Elementary School, Pelham Memorial School, and Pelham High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Pelham is primarily by road, with several state highways passing through the town, including New Hampshire Route 38 and New Hampshire Route 111A. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 20 miles north of Pelham.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Pelham is home to the annual Pelham Old Home Day, a community event that celebrates the town’s history and community spirit with a parade, fireworks, and other festivities. The town is also known for its historical landmarks, including the Pelham Public Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Providence, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Providence is the capital city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It is located in the county of the same name, Providence. The city is situated at the mouth of the Providence River, at the head of Narragansett Bay. Providence’s terrain is mostly flat with low-lying hills and has a total area of approximately 20.5 square miles, 18.5 of which is land and the remaining 2.1 is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Providence, Rhode Island are approximately 41.8240° N latitude and 71.4128° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Providence is the most populous city in the smallest U.S. state, Rhode Island. It is part of the New England region, located in the northeastern part of the United States. The city is part of the Providence metropolitan area which extends into southern Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, the city of Providence had a population of approximately 190,934 residents, making it the third most populous city in New England after Boston and Worcester. The city has a diverse population with a significant number of Hispanic and African American residents. The median age is around 30 years, making it a relatively young city.

    🏛️ History

    Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He named the area in honor of “God’s merciful Providence” which he believed was responsible for revealing such a haven for him and his followers to settle. The city played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and was one of the first cities in the country to industrialize, becoming noted for its textile manufacturing and subsequent jewelry and silverware industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Providence is known for its well-maintained parks and green spaces. The most notable is Roger Williams Park, which includes a zoo, a botanical center, and a museum of natural history. The city’s location at the head of Narragansett Bay offers beautiful waterfront views and opportunities for boating and fishing. The city has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

    🏫 Education

    Providence is home to several institutions of higher education, including Brown University, an Ivy League institution, and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), one of the top art schools in the country. Additionally, Providence College, Johnson & Wales University, and a campus of the University of Rhode Island are located in the city. The Providence Public School District serves the city’s K-12 students.

    🚧 Transportation

    Providence is served by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus system and the MBTA Commuter Rail, which provides a direct link to Boston. The city also has a network of bike lanes and paths. Interstate highways I-95 and I-195 pass through Providence. The city’s airport, T.F. Green Airport, is located in nearby Warwick.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Providence is known for its vibrant arts scene and is home to WaterFire, a series of bonfires lit on the city’s three rivers during the warm months. The city is also famous for its culinary scene, with a high concentration of restaurants and food service establishments per capita. The city hosts several annual events, including the Providence Children’s Film Festival and the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

  • Peace Dale, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Peace Dale is a village located in the town of South Kingstown, in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. It is nestled in the southern part of the state, approximately 30 miles south of the state capital, Providence. The village is surrounded by a mix of residential areas, commercial establishments, and natural landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Peace Dale are 41.4459° N latitude and 71.5030° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Peace Dale is part of the New England region, in the northeastern United States. It is located in Washington County, which is the southernmost county in the state of Rhode Island. The village itself covers a small area within the town of South Kingstown.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Peace Dale is a village within the town of South Kingstown, it does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of South Kingstown, which includes Peace Dale, has a population of approximately 30,000 people. The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Peace Dale was founded in the early 19th century by Rowland Hazard, a Quaker industrialist who established a woolen mill in the area. The village was named after Hazard’s wife, Mary Peace Hazard. Over time, the village grew around the mill, with the addition of homes, schools, and other community buildings. The mill, known as the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company, was a significant part of the village’s economy until it closed in the mid-20th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Peace Dale is home to several parks and natural areas. The village is adjacent to the Saugatucket River, which offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing. There are also several walking and biking trails in and around the village, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Peace Dale is managed by the South Kingstown School District. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is also in close proximity to the University of Rhode Island, located in the nearby town of Kingston.

    🚧 Transportation

    Peace Dale is accessible by Rhode Island Route 108, which runs north-south through the village. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service in the area, connecting Peace Dale with other communities in South Kingstown and the rest of the state. The closest major airport is T.F. Green Airport, located in Warwick, about 30 miles north of Peace Dale.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Peace Dale is home to the South County Museum, which showcases the history and culture of southern Rhode Island. The village also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Peace Dale Village Fair and the Saugatucket River Race. The historic Peace Dale Library, built in 1891, is a notable landmark in the village.

  • Prudence Island, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Prudence Island is located in Narragansett Bay in the state of Rhode Island, United States. It is part of the town of Portsmouth in Bristol County. The island is the third largest in the Narragansett Bay, measuring about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, and covering an area of 5.57 square miles. The island’s terrain is mostly flat, with a few hills and forests scattered across the landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Prudence Island are approximately 41.61 degrees north latitude and 71.32 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Prudence Island is part of the New England region of the United States, in the northeastern part of the country. It is situated in the Narragansett Bay, an estuary with over 30 islands, of which Prudence Island is the third largest. The island covers a total area of 5.57 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    Prudence Island has a small population, with an estimated 150-200 year-round residents as of the latest data. The population increases significantly during the summer months due to the influx of seasonal residents and tourists. The island’s population is predominantly Caucasian, with a median age of around 50 years.

    🏛️ History

    Prudence Island was originally inhabited by the Narragansett Native American tribe. The island was named “Prudence” by Roger Williams and other early colonists after the Christian virtue of prudence. During the King Philip’s War in 1676, the island was used as a military base by the colonists. In the 20th century, the island was primarily used for farming and as a summer resort. Today, it is known for its quiet, rural character and natural beauty.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Prudence Island is home to diverse wildlife and plant species. The island’s landscape features forests, marshes, and beaches. The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, located on the island, is dedicated to the preservation of these natural habitats and offers opportunities for environmental research and education.

    🏫 Education

    As a small, rural island, Prudence Island does not have its own public school system. Children living on the island typically attend school in the nearby town of Portsmouth on the mainland, which offers elementary, middle, and high school education.

    🚧 Transportation

    Access to Prudence Island is primarily by ferry, with the Prudence Island Ferry providing regular service from Bristol, Rhode Island. The island has few paved roads and many residents use golf carts for local transportation. There is no public transportation on the island.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Prudence Island hosts a number of community events, including a Fourth of July parade and a summer arts and crafts fair. The island is also known for its historic structures, including the Prudence Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1823 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.

  • Portsmouth, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Portsmouth is a town located in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. It is situated on Aquidneck Island, also known as Rhode Island. The town is surrounded by the Sakonnet River to the east, the Narragansett Bay to the west, and the town of Middletown to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Portsmouth, Rhode Island are approximately 41.60 degrees latitude North and 71.25 degrees longitude West.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Portsmouth is part of the New England region of the United States. The town covers a total area of about 59.3 square miles, of which 23.2 square miles is land and 36.1 square miles is water. It is the second largest municipality on Aquidneck Island.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    According to the United States Census Bureau, Portsmouth had a population of approximately 17,389 people as of 2010. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, followed by Asian, African American, and other races. The median age of residents is around 45 years.

    🏛️ History

    Portsmouth was founded in 1638 by a group of religious dissenters from the Boston colony, including Anne Hutchinson and her followers. It is home to many historic sites, including the Portsmouth Compact monument, which commemorates the establishment of the settlement. The town played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and is known for the Battle of Rhode Island that took place in 1778.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Portsmouth boasts a variety of natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Melville Ponds City Park and Sandy Point Beach. The Sakonnet Greenway Trail, the longest nature trail on Aquidneck Island, also runs through Portsmouth. The town’s coastal location provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

    🏫 Education

    The Portsmouth School District serves the town’s students. It includes several elementary schools, Portsmouth Middle School, and Portsmouth High School. The town is also home to the Portsmouth Abbey School, a co-educational Catholic Benedictine boarding and day school.

    🚧 Transportation

    Portsmouth is served by Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses, providing connections to other parts of the state. The town is accessible by road via Rhode Island Route 24 and Route 138. The closest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, about 20 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Portsmouth is home to the Newport Polo Club, one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. The town also hosts the annual Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams State Park. Additionally, Portsmouth is the site of the Green Animals Topiary Garden, the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States.