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Charlestown, Rhode Island facts for kids

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Charlestown

Charlestown, Rhode Island
The historic Babcock House in Quonochontaug
The historic Babcock House in Quonochontaug
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 located in Washington County, Rhode Island, in the United States. It's a place with a rich history and beautiful natural areas. In 2020, about 7,997 people lived there. Charlestown is known for its lovely beaches and parks, making it a popular spot for outdoor fun.

History of Charlestown

Charlestown got its name from King Charles II. It officially became a town in 1738. Before that, it was part of a larger town called Westerly. Later, in 1747, the northern part of Charlestown became its own town, called Richmond.

Geography and Nature

Charlestown covers a total area of about 59.3 square miles (153.6 square kilometers). A large part of this area, about 22.5 square miles (58.1 square kilometers), is water. This includes many beautiful coastal areas.

Where is Charlestown located?

Charlestown shares its borders with several other towns. To the west, it's next to Westerly. To the north, you'll find Richmond and Hopkinton. To the east, it borders South Kingstown.

Inside Charlestown, there are smaller communities. The main village of Charlestown is in the southeast. Quonochontaug is in the southwest, and Carolina is on the northern edge of the town.

Wind Turbines in Charlestown

In 2011, Charlestown made a unique decision. It became the first town in the United States to ban all types of electricity-generating wind turbines. This rule applies to both large wind farms and smaller turbines for homes.

Population and People

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

Charlestown has grown quite a bit over the years. In 1790, just over 2,000 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to nearly 8,000 residents.

Most people living in Charlestown are White. There are also smaller groups of Native American, African American, and Asian residents. About 1% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

The average age of people in Charlestown is around 41 years old. About 21.8% of the population is under 18 years old, which means there are many kids and teens living in the town.

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

Fun Things to Do in Charlestown

Charlestown is a great place for outdoor activities and relaxation. It has several parks and beautiful beaches.

Parks for Play and Nature

Ninigret Park

Ninigret Park is a very popular spot in Charlestown. It used to be a naval air station! Now, it's a fantastic place for sports and recreation. You can find a small beachfront, a bike track, sports fields, and tennis courts here.

The park is also home to the Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory. This is a cool place to learn about nature and look at the stars. Ninigret Park hosts many big events, like the Charlestown Seafood Festival and the Rhythm And Roots music festival.

Burlingame State Park

Burlingame State Park and Campground is entirely within Charlestown. It's a huge area of rocky woodlands, covering 3,100 acres, and surrounds Watchaug Pond.

At Burlingame, you can enjoy many activities. There are 755 campsites if you want to go camping. You can also go fishing, swimming, picnicking, boating, and hiking. The northern part of the park is mainly used for hunting.

Beautiful Beaches

Charlestown is famous for its beaches, which many people call "the best kept secret in Rhode Island." These beaches offer miles of quiet, untouched sandy shores. They are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities or just relaxing in the sun.

Some of the beaches are managed by the town, like "Blue Shutters Town Beach" and "Charlestown Town Beach." Others are state-managed, such as "East Beach State Beach" and "Charlestown Breachway State Beach."

Charlestown Seafood Festival

Every year, in the first week of August, the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce hosts an exciting seafood and lobster festival. Local businesses and vendors set up booths, offering all kinds of delicious seafood. This festival has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in America multiple times!

Historic Places to See

Charlestown has several places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites help tell the story of the town's past.

See also

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

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