📍 Location & Geography
Tiverton is a town located in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, on the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, and is bordered by Massachusetts to the east and the Sakonnet River to the west. Tiverton covers a total area of 36.3 square miles, of which 29.4 square miles is land and 6.9 square miles is water. The town features a diverse landscape, including coastal areas, farmland, and forested hills.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Tiverton are approximately 41.6258° N latitude and 71.2137° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Tiverton is part of the New England region of the United States. It is situated in the southern part of Newport County, Rhode Island. The town is divided into several neighborhoods, including North Tiverton, Tiverton Four Corners, and the waterfront area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Tiverton had a population of approximately 15,780. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 46.7 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Tiverton was originally inhabited by the Pocasset people, a tribe of the Wampanoag Nation. The area was first settled by Europeans in 1659 and was incorporated as a town in 1694. Tiverton was originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony until 1746 when a long-standing boundary dispute was resolved, and it became part of Rhode Island.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Tiverton boasts a variety of natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Weetamoo Woods, Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, and Fort Barton Woods. The Sakonnet River and Narragansett Bay provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The area’s diverse landscape supports a variety of wildlife and plant species.
🏫 Education
Tiverton is served by the Tiverton School District, which includes four elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The town also has a public library, the Union Public Library, which offers a variety of resources and programs for residents of all ages.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Tiverton is primarily by car, with Rhode Island Route 24 and Route 138 being the main highways serving the town. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides bus service in the area. The nearest major airports are T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts.
📜 Trivia & Events
Tiverton is known for its annual events such as the Tiverton Days festival, which celebrates the town’s history and community with a variety of activities and entertainment. The town is also home to the Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center, which hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events. One interesting fact about Tiverton is that it was the last town to join Rhode Island due to a boundary dispute with Massachusetts.