📍 Location & Geography
Narragansett is a town located in Washington County, in the southern part of Rhode Island, a state in the northeastern United States. The town is situated along the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River to the west. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, offering a picturesque coastal landscape. Narragansett covers a total area of 37.8 square miles, of which 14 square miles is land and 23.8 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Narragansett are approximately 41.4501° N latitude and 71.4495° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Narragansett is part of the Providence metropolitan area, despite being about 30 miles south of Rhode Island’s capital city. The town is divided into several neighborhoods, including Narragansett Pier, Point Judith, Galilee, Great Island, and Bonnet Shores, each with its own unique charm.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the town of Narragansett had a population of approximately 15,868. The population is predominantly White with a significant percentage of the population being of Italian and Irish descent. The median age in the town is around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Narragansett was originally home to the Narragansett Indians, from whom the town derives its name. The area was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century. The town of Narragansett was officially incorporated in 1901. Narragansett’s history is closely tied to its coastal location, with a strong tradition of fishing and maritime activities.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Narragansett is known for its beautiful coastline, featuring sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and historic lighthouses. The town’s most popular beach is Narragansett Town Beach. Other natural attractions include the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge and the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park. The town is also home to several marinas and boat ramps, reflecting its maritime heritage.
🏫 Education
Education in Narragansett is provided by the Narragansett School System, which operates several schools including Narragansett Elementary School, Narragansett Pier Middle School, and Narragansett High School. The town is also in close proximity to the University of Rhode Island, located just a few miles to the west in Kingston.
🚧 Transportation
Major roads serving Narragansett include Rhode Island Route 1A, Route 108, and Route 138. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides bus service in the area. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, about 30 miles to the north. Narragansett also offers several marinas for boating and sailing enthusiasts.
📜 Trivia & Events
Narragansett is home to the Towers, a historic structure that is one of the few remnants of the Narragansett Pier Casino built in the 1880s. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Narragansett Indian Tribe’s August Meeting, a tradition that dates back over 340 years, and the Blessing of the Fleet, a maritime tradition that includes a seafood festival.