📍 Location & Geography
Lincoln is a town located in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It is part of the Providence metropolitan area. The town is situated in the northeastern part of the state, bordered by the Blackstone River to the east, and the Moshassuck River to the west. The terrain of Lincoln is characterized by a mix of flat and hilly landscapes.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Lincoln, Rhode Island are approximately 41.9168° N latitude and 71.4419° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Lincoln is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of approximately 18.9 square miles (49 km2). Out of this, about 18.2 square miles (47 km2) is land, and the remaining 0.7 square miles (2 km2) is water, accounting for 3.74% of the total area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Lincoln has a population of approximately 22,529 residents. The town is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age is around 44 years. The town’s population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with slightly more females than males.
🏛️ History
Lincoln was originally part of the town of Smithfield until 1871, when it was split and named in honor of Abraham Lincoln. The town was home to several important industries during the Industrial Revolution, including the production of textiles and machinery. Lincoln’s historical sites include the Eleazer Arnold House, a colonial-era structure dating back to 1693, and the Hearthside House, an early 19th-century mansion.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Lincoln is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Lincoln Woods State Park, a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park also extends into Lincoln, offering trails and historic sites. The town is committed to preserving its natural environment and has initiatives in place to protect its green spaces and waterways.
🏫 Education
Education in Lincoln is managed by the Lincoln School Department. The town has several public schools, including Lincoln Senior High School, Lincoln Middle School, and several elementary schools. In addition, Lincoln is home to the prestigious Lincoln School, a Quaker-based independent school for girls from nursery through twelfth grade.
🚧 Transportation
Lincoln is served by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), providing bus services to various parts of the town and connecting it to the wider Providence metropolitan area. Major roads passing through Lincoln include Interstate 295 and Route 146. The town is also approximately 15 miles from T.F. Green Airport, offering domestic flights.
📜 Trivia & Events
Lincoln is known for its annual events, such as the Saylesville Firefighters’ Memorial Sunday Parade in September and the Christmas at the Hearthside House event in December. The town is also home to the Twin River Casino, one of the largest gaming and entertainment venues in Rhode Island. A notable trivia about Lincoln is that it was the location of the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill in North America, established in 1790 by Samuel Slater.