📍 Location & Geography
Wood River Junction is a small village located within the town of Richmond in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It is situated in Washington County, the southernmost county in the state. The village is named after the Wood River, which flows nearby. The geography of the area is characterized by a mix of residential areas, forests, and small bodies of water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Wood River Junction are approximately 41.4465° N latitude and 71.6506° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Wood River Junction is part of the New England region of the United States, and specifically the South County area of Rhode Island, which is known for its rural charm and coastal beauty. The village itself is relatively small, covering a modest area within the town of Richmond.
👥 Population & Demographics
As a small village within the town of Richmond, Wood River Junction does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Richmond as a whole has a population of approximately 7,708 people as of the 2010 Census. The demographics of the town are predominantly white, with a small percentage of other races.
🏛️ History
Wood River Junction, like much of Rhode Island, has a history that dates back to the colonial era. The village is named after the Wood River, which was used for transportation and power for mills in the area. In more recent history, the village gained notoriety in 1964 due to a criticality accident at the United Nuclear Corporation’s fuel recovery plant, which resulted in the death of a worker and led to changes in nuclear safety regulations.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
The village of Wood River Junction is surrounded by the natural beauty of rural Rhode Island. The Wood River, from which the village takes its name, is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, and the nearby Arcadia Management Area offers hiking trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities.
🏫 Education
Educational services in Wood River Junction are provided by the Chariho Regional School District, which serves the towns of Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton. The district operates several schools, including Chariho Regional High School, Chariho Middle School, and several elementary schools.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Wood River Junction is primarily by car, with Route 3 and Route 138 being the main roads passing through the village. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) also operates bus service in the area. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, about 30 miles north of the village.
📜 Trivia & Events
Wood River Junction is perhaps best known for the 1964 criticality accident at the United Nuclear Corporation’s fuel recovery plant, which is considered one of the worst nuclear accidents in U.S. history. The village is also home to the Wood River Junction Fire Department, a volunteer fire department that serves the local community.