Washington County, Rhode Island is located in the south-eastern corner of the state. It is bordered by the Connecticut River to the west, Narragansett Bay to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The county has an area of 545 square miles and is home to a population of 126,979 people. The county seat is located in Wakefield and there are thirteen towns within Washington County.
The landscape of Washington County consists mostly of rural areas with rolling hills and wooded valleys. There are several rivers that flow through the county such as Wood River, Pawcatuck River, Chipuxet River, Queen’s River, and Little Narragansett Bay which provide excellent fishing opportunities. Additionally, there are numerous lakes such as Carbuncle Pond that offer a variety of recreational activities like swimming and boating. The climate in Washington County is temperate with mild winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is around 55°F (13°C).
Much of Washington County’s economy depends on tourism due to its proximity to Newport which draws many visitors each year. Other industries include manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, shipping/transportation services, education services, retail trade/services, healthcare/social assistance services as well as government services. There are also several educational institutions located throughout Washington County including University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography in Narragansett Bay which offers educational programs related to oceanography and marine science research along with other universities like Brown University and Salve Regina University in Newport.
Country seat and other main cities of Washington County, Rhode Island
The county seat of Washington County is located in the town of Wakefield. This town is home to a population of 4,764 people and is the hub for government services, as well as the home to many small businesses. According to COUNTRYAAH, other cities within Washington County include Narragansett, South Kingstown, Westerly, Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton.
Narragansett is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Narragansett Bay and its many beaches. It is also home to the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography which offers educational programs related to oceanography and marine science research. South Kingstown is another popular tourist destination because it is home to numerous beaches such as Scarborough State Beach and East Matunuck State Beach which are popular for swimming and recreational activities. Westerly is an important port city on the Pawcatuck River that serves as a commercial center for Washington County with numerous shops and restaurants along with marinas that provide recreational access onto the river.
Charlestown has become a popular summer getaway spot due to its close proximity to beaches such as East Beach, Charlestown Breachway, and Charlestown Town Beach. Richmond offers visitors numerous outdoor recreational activities such as hiking trails at Arcadia Management Area or golfing at Quidnessett Country Club. Finally, Hopkinton provides visitors with riverside camping opportunities at Carolina Management Area or boating on Wood River or Big River Reservoirs.
History of Washington County, Rhode Island
Washington County, Rhode Island was originally inhabited by the Narragansett Native American tribe and was first established in 1729. The county was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. The area that makes up Washington County had been part of Rhode Island since 1636 when it was purchased from the Narragansett tribe.
During the Revolutionary War, Washington County served as an important hub for military activity due to its strategic location on Narragansett Bay. The Battle of Rhode Island took place in 1778 near Aquidneck Island which is now part of Newport, a city located in Washington County.
In the early 19th century, Washington County began to see a significant influx of new settlers as mills and other industrial businesses were established throughout the area. This industrial growth brought with it an increased demand for labor which led to many immigrants from Europe settling in Washington County during this period.
In 1854, a railroad line connecting Providence and Stonington opened up making it easier for people to travel between cities within Washington County and beyond. This improved transportation network allowed for more trade and commerce to take place within the county which helped spur further economic development.
Today, Washington County is home to numerous universities including University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography in Narragansett Bay which offers educational programs related to oceanography and marine science research along with other universities like Brown University and Salve Regina University in Newport. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities available throughout the region.
Economy of Washington County, Rhode Island
Washington County, Rhode Island has a diverse and vibrant economy. The county is home to numerous businesses and industries ranging from technology, healthcare, education, and tourism.
The county is home to several major corporations such as Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Electric Boat Corporation, Citizens Bank, and Textron which employ thousands of people in the area. Additionally, there are many small businesses located throughout the county that provide goods and services to the local community.
The tourism industry is also an important part of the economy in Washington County. Tourism brings in millions of dollars each year thanks to its beautiful beaches, numerous historical sites, outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and boating on Wood River or Big River Reservoirs or exploring Carolina Management Area. The county also hosts many annual events such as the Newport Jazz Festival which add to its tourism appeal.
Education is also a major contributor to Washington County’s economy. The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography located in Narragansett Bay offers educational programs related to oceanography and marine science research along with other universities like Brown University and Salve Regina University in Newport that attract students from around the world.
In addition to these industries, Washington County also has a strong agricultural sector with products such as dairy products, vegetables, fruits, eggs and seafood being produced for both local consumption and export markets. This sector provides jobs for many people living in rural areas of the county as well as contributing significantly to its economy.
Overall, Washington County’s economy is strong due to its diverse mix of industries that are able to provide employment opportunities for its population while at the same time providing goods and services for both local consumption and export markets.