📍 Location & Geography
Hopkinton is a town located in Washington County, in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. The town is situated in the southern part of the state and is bordered by the towns of Richmond to the east, Charlestown to the south, and Westerly to the west. The northern part of Hopkinton is bordered by the state of Connecticut. The town’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous small bodies of water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Hopkinton, Rhode Island are approximately 41.4619° N latitude and 71.7787° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Hopkinton is part of the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of about 44.93 square miles (116.4 square kilometers), of which 43.18 square miles (111.8 square kilometers) is land and 1.75 square miles (4.5 square kilometers) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Hopkinton has a population of approximately 8,188 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.5 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, followed by smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Hopkinton was originally part of the town of Westerly, but it was incorporated as a separate town in 1757. The town was named after Stephen Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a governor of Rhode Island. The town has a rich history with several historic sites, including the Hopkinton City Historic District and the Locustville Schoolhouse.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Hopkinton is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town has several parks and nature reserves, including the Burlingame State Park and the Carolina Management Area. These parks offer hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Wood River, which flows through the town, is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.
🏫 Education
Education in Hopkinton is managed by the Chariho Regional School District, which also serves the neighboring towns of Charlestown and Richmond. The district operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Chariho Regional High School. There are also private school options in the area.
🚧 Transportation
Hopkinton is served by several major highways, including Interstate 95, which provides easy access to other parts of Rhode Island and neighboring states. The town is also served by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), which provides bus service to various parts of the state. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport, located in Warwick, about 30 miles north of Hopkinton.
📜 Trivia & Events
Hopkinton hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Hopkinton State Fair, which takes place on Labor Day weekend and features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and a carnival. The town is also known for its historic Hopkinton City Hall, which was built in 1830 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.