Charlestown, Rhode Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charlestown
Charlestown, Rhode Island
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The historic Babcock House in Quonochontaug
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| 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)
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| • Total | 7,997 |
| • Density | 217/sq mi (83.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
02813
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| 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.
Contents
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.
- Babcock House
- District Schoolhouse No. 2 (built in 1838)
- Fort Ninigret
- Foster Cove Archeological Site
- Historic Village of the Narragansetts in Charlestown
- Indian Burial Ground
- Joseph Jeffrey House
- Shannock Historic District
- Sheffield House (built around 1700)
- Joseph Stanton House (built in 1739)
See also
In Spanish: Charlestown (Rhode Island) para niños
