📍 Location & Geography
Pawtucket is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It is situated along the northern part of the Narragansett Bay, with the Blackstone River running through the city. Pawtucket is bordered by the city of Central Falls to the south, the town of Lincoln to the north, and the city of East Providence to the east. Its western boundary is shared with the state of Massachusetts.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Pawtucket are approximately 41.8787° N latitude and 71.3826° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Pawtucket is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is the fourth largest city in the state of Rhode Island, covering a total area of approximately 9.01 square miles. Of this, 8.7 square miles is land, and the remaining 0.3 square miles is water, primarily from the Blackstone River.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Pawtucket is approximately 72,117, making it one of the most populous cities in Rhode Island. The city is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age is around 36.8 years.
🏛️ History
Pawtucket was originally founded as a town in 1671 and played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution. It was here that Samuel Slater built his historic textile mill in 1793, known as Slater Mill, which marked the beginning of the industrial revolution in America. Pawtucket was incorporated as a city in 1885.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Pawtucket is home to several parks and green spaces, including Slater Memorial Park, which is the oldest and largest public park in the city. The Blackstone River provides a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The city is also part of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, which preserves and interprets the region’s industrial heritage.
🏫 Education
Pawtucket has a well-established public school system, with several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to the Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a public high school focused on arts education. For higher education, Pawtucket is in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design in nearby Providence.
🚧 Transportation
Pawtucket is served by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), providing bus service throughout the city and to neighboring areas. The city is located near Interstate 95, offering easy access to other parts of the state and the broader New England region. The city is also planning to reopen the Pawtucket/Central Falls train station for commuter rail service to Boston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Pawtucket is known for its vibrant arts scene and hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Pawtucket Arts Festival. The city is also home to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. An interesting fact about Pawtucket is that it is the headquarters of the iconic toy company, Hasbro, Inc.