📍 Location & Geography
Exeter is a town located in Washington County, in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. The town covers a total area of 58.4 square miles, of which 57.7 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. Exeter is characterized by its rural setting, with a landscape that features rolling hills, forests, and numerous ponds and streams.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Exeter, Rhode Island are approximately 41.57 degrees North latitude and 71.65 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Exeter is situated in the southern part of Rhode Island, in the New England region of the United States. The town is part of Washington County, which is also referred to as South County. It is surrounded by the towns of North Kingstown to the east, South Kingstown to the south, Richmond to the west, and West Greenwich and East Greenwich to the north.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Exeter was 6,513. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 46 years.
🏛️ History
Exeter was first settled by English colonists in the 17th century and was officially incorporated as a town in 1742. The town was named after the city of Exeter in Devon, England. During the Revolutionary War, the town was the site of the infamous Pine Tree Riot. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Exeter remained largely agricultural, with dairy farming being a major industry.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Exeter is home to several natural and recreational areas. These include the Arcadia Management Area, the largest recreational area in Rhode Island, and the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. The town also has several bodies of water, including the Wood River and Boone Lake. Exeter’s rural landscape provides habitats for a variety of wildlife species.
🏫 Education
Exeter is part of the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District. The district operates two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. For higher education, the University of Rhode Island is located nearby in the town of Kingston.
🚧 Transportation
Major roads passing through Exeter include Rhode Island Route 2, Route 3, and Route 102. The town is also in proximity to Interstate 95, which provides easy access to other parts of the state and beyond. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, which is about 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Exeter is known for its annual country fair, the Exeter Fall Festival, which features local food, crafts, and entertainment. The town also hosts an annual Memorial Day Parade. A notable piece of trivia is that Exeter was the last town in Rhode Island to get rid of its outdoor privies in the mid-20th century.