Weekapaug, Rhode Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Weekapaug, Rhode Island
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A photo of Weekapaug showing the breachway, jetty, channel, Fenway Beach, and numerous ocean front homes.
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 Weekapaug, Rhode Island
Location in Rhode Island
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| Country | United States |
| State | Rhode Island |
| County | Washington |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.20 sq mi (3.10 km2) |
| • Land | 1.16 sq mi (3.01 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2) |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 467 |
| • Density | 401.55/sq mi (155.09/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
02891
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| Area code(s) | 401 |
| FIPS code | 44-75920 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2631342 |
Weekapaug (pronounced WEE-kuh-pawg) is a small, charming place located in the southern part of Rhode Island. It is part of the town of Westerly, Rhode Island. In 2020, about 467 people lived here. It is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Contents
The History of Weekapaug
The name "Weekapaug" comes from the Narragansett language. It means "at the end of the pond." This name perfectly describes its location near several ponds.
How Weekapaug Began
Even though it's a quiet spot, Weekapaug has been a summer getaway for a long time. People started building summer cottages here in 1877. Before that, from 1701 to 1899, the area was called "Noyes Beach." It was named after Reverend James Noyes. He bought a large piece of land there, about 300 acres.
Weekapaug is not as famous as its neighbor, Watch Hill, Rhode Island. However, it has its own special charm and history.
Exploring Weekapaug's Geography
Weekapaug is a small area, covering about 1.2 square miles (3.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but a small part is water.
Ponds and Ocean Connections
Two large salt ponds, Winnapaug and Quonochontaug, are very important to Weekapaug. These ponds are connected to the Atlantic Ocean. They have special openings called breachways. These breachways are lined with rock jetties. These jetties help keep the channels open.
The rocks used for the jetties are mostly granite. Granite is a very strong type of rock. It was once a major industry in the nearby town of Westerly.
Who Lives in Weekapaug?
According to the 2020 census, 467 people live in Weekapaug. The area has about 243 households. Many of these households are families.
A Look at the Population
Most people living in Weekapaug are white. A small number of people are from other racial backgrounds. About 12% of the population is under 18 years old. A larger part, about 35%, is 65 years old or older. This means Weekapaug has many older residents.
The average household in Weekapaug has about two people. The average family has about three people. Many adults in Weekapaug have a college degree or higher.
Weekapaug in Popular Culture
Weekapaug has even made its way into popular TV shows and music!
Weekapaug in Family Guy
If you watch the cartoon show Family Guy, you might have heard of Weekapaug. A funny character named Al Harrington is the boss of a company that sells "Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm-Flailing Tube Men." His company is supposedly on Route 2 in Weekapaug. However, in real life, Route 2 is actually a bit far from Weekapaug. In one episode, a character named Babs visits Weekapaug, which is shown as her hometown.
Weekapaug in Music
The popular band Phish also has a song named after the town. It's called "Weekapaug Groove." This shows how this quiet coastal spot has inspired artists.
See also
In Spanish: Weekapaug (Rhode Island) para niños
