📍 Location & Geography
Johnston is a town located in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The town is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 9 miles west of the state capital, Providence. Johnston covers a total area of 24.4 square miles, of which 23.7 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. The town’s terrain is primarily hilly and wooded, featuring a number of rivers and streams.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Johnston, Rhode Island are approximately 41.82° N latitude and 71.52° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Johnston is part of the Providence metropolitan area, which is the largest metropolitan area in Rhode Island and includes the entirety of the state as well as parts of Massachusetts. Johnston is divided into several neighborhoods, including Thornton, Graniteville, Hughesdale, Morgan Mills, Manton, Simmonsville, Pocasset, West End, Belknap, and Frog City.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Johnston was approximately 29,343. The town is predominantly Caucasian, with a significant percentage of the population also identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median age in Johnston is about 44 years.
🏛️ History
Johnston was first settled by Europeans in 1636 and was incorporated as a town on March 6, 1759. The town was named after Augustus Johnston, the attorney general of Rhode Island from 1758-1759. Johnston played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution, with several mills operating in the town during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Johnston is home to several parks and green spaces, including Johnston Memorial Park and Snake Den State Park. The latter is particularly known for its beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails. The town is also home to the Woonasquatucket River, which flows through several of Johnston’s neighborhoods.
🏫 Education
Public education in Johnston is managed by the Johnston Public School District, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Johnston Senior High School. The town is also home to the Johnston campus of the Community College of Rhode Island.
🚧 Transportation
Johnston is served by several major roads, including Interstate 295, U.S. Route 6, and Rhode Island Routes 5, 6A, and 128. Public transportation is provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, with several bus routes running through the town. The nearest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, approximately 15 miles south of Johnston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Johnston is known for its annual Apple Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and features apple picking, food vendors, live music, and a parade. The town is also home to the Johnston Historical Society, which operates a museum and hosts events focused on the town’s history. Notably, Johnston is also known for being the site of the Clemence Irons House, a historic house museum dating back to 1691.