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Charlestown, Rhode Island
The historic Babcock House in Quonochontaug
The historic Babcock House in Quonochontaug
Location of Charlestown in Washington County, Rhode Island
Location of Charlestown in Washington County, Rhode Island
Country United States
State Rhode Island
County Washington
Area
 • Total 59.3 sq mi (153.6 km2)
 • Land 36.8 sq mi (95.4 km2)
 • Water 22.5 sq mi (58.1 km2)
Elevation
59 ft (18 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 7,997
 • Density 217/sq mi (83.8/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
02813
Area code(s) 401
FIPS code 44-44009
GNIS feature ID 1220080

Charlestown is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 7,997 at the 2020 census.

History

Charlestown is named after King Charles II, and was incorporated in 1738. The area was formerly part of the town of Westerly. It was in turn divided and the part north of the Pawcatuck River became the town of Richmond in 1747.

Rocket experiments

Since 1965 from Charlestown some sounding rockets were launched from 41°22′N 71°40′W / 41.367°N 71.667°W / 41.367; -71.667. The biggest campaign took place on May 30, 1965 in order to watch a solar eclipse.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 59.3 square miles (154 km2), of which, 36.8 square miles (95 km2) of it is land and 22.5 square miles (58 km2) of it (37.86%) is water.

The town is bordered by Westerly on the west; Richmond on the north; and Hopkinton on the northwest; and South Kingstown on the east.

In 2011, Charlestown became the first municipality in the United States to pass a ban on any size or type of electricity-generating wind turbines. The sweeping prohibition applies to large commercial as well as smaller residential turbines. This temporary measure was in order to draft a new ordinance providing for small turbines but prohibiting commercial turbines.Residential Wind Energy Facilities. [Amended 3-14-2011 by Ord. No. 338; 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 341; 11-14-2011 by Ord. No. 344] Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for the construction and operation of wind energy facilities as accessory uses and structures for residential and agricultural uses, and to provide standards that address public health, safety and welfare in the placement, design, construction, monitoring, modification and removal of wind energy facilities and minimize negative impacts on scenic, natural and historic resources of the town. (b)

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1790 2,022
1800 1,454 −28.1%
1810 1,174 −19.3%
1820 1,160 −1.2%
1830 1,284 10.7%
1840 923 −28.1%
1850 994 7.7%
1860 981 −1.3%
1870 1,119 14.1%
1880 1,117 −0.2%
1890 915 −18.1%
1900 975 6.6%
1910 1,037 6.4%
1920 759 −26.8%
1930 1,118 47.3%
1940 1,199 7.2%
1950 1,598 33.3%
1960 1,966 23.0%
1970 2,863 45.6%
1980 4,800 67.7%
1990 6,478 35.0%
2000 7,859 21.3%
2010 7,827 −0.4%
2020 7,997 2.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2000, there were 7,859 people, 3,178 households, and 2,278 families residing in the town. The population density was 213.3 people per square mile (82.4/km2). There were 4,797 housing units at an average density of 130.2 per square mile (50.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.26% White, 0.38% African American, 1.26% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.

There were 3,178 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $51,491, and the median income for a family was $56,866. Males had a median income of $40,616 versus $29,474 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,642. About 3.0% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Students in Charlestown are part of the Chariho Regional School District.

Recreation

Parks

Ninigret Park, the former site of Charlestown NAAS, is in Charlestown. It is now an extremely popular place for recreational sports games including a small beachfront, a bike track, sporting fields, and tennis courts. Along with these features, the park also contains the Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory. Ninigret Park is also used for the majority of large events occurring within the town of Charlestown including the Charlestown Seafood Festival, the Big Apple Circus and the Rhythm And Roots music festival.

Charlestown contains several beaches that are frequently described as "the best kept secret in Rhode Island." Miles of secluded, unspoiled, sandy beaches offer visitors a chance to enjoy many outdoor activities or just some relaxation under the sun. Some of these beaches include town operated areas such as "Blue Shutters Town Beach" and "Charlestown Town Beach" and other are state managed areas including "East Beach State Beach" and "Charlestown Breachway State Beach."

Burlingame State Park and Campground is entirely contained inside the town of Charlestown. The campground is 3,100 acres of rocky woodland that surrounds Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. Activities at the park include 755 campsites, fishing, swimming, picnicking, boating and hiking. The area north of Buckeye Brook Road, abutting the Pawcatuck River, is primarily a hunting area.

Seafood Festival

The Charlestown, RI Chamber of Commerce holds an annual seafood and lobster festival in the first week of August. Local businesses and vendors set up booths for various seafood based events. The Seafood Festival has been named one of the Top 100 Events in America by the American Tour Bus Association in 1988, 1996 and 2008.

National Historic Places in Charlestown

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Charlestown (Rhode Island) para niños

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