Town of Barrington
Updated Demographic and Economic Characteristics
* Annual information for 2000-2006 is available by downloading this Excel file
Government
Town Hall
283 County Rd.
Barrington, RI 02806
Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Founded: 1653
- Incorporated: June 16, 1770
- Form of government: Town manager with five-member town council
- Council meetings: The first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Annual financial town meeting held the fourth Thursday in May.
- Fiscal year begins: July 1
A summary profile of Census 2000 characteristics is available from the RI Office of Statewide Planning at: http://www.planning.ri.gov/census/citytown.htm
Community Links
Hyperlinks provided by the Office of Municipal Affairs, Rhode Island Department of Administration.
- Barrington municipal departments and officials
- Barrington state senator and representative
- Town of Barrington
- East Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Barrington Online (The Barrington Times)
- Area points of interest and attractions: please visit the state tourism website
History
Barrington was originally known as Sowams, the residence of Massassoit, Chief of the Wampanoag Indians. In 1653, Captain Miles Standish, Governor W. Bradford and others bought the area between Narragansett Bay and the Taunton River from Massassoit. In 1637, this area was incorporated under the name of Swansea as part of the Plymouth Colony. In 1717, Barrington was set off as a separate town, as part of the state of Massachusetts. In 1746, it was made part of Rhode Island, along with Bristol, Tiverton, Little Compton and Cumberland. In 1747, the name was changed to Warren in honor of Sir Peter Warren of the British Navy. Barrington was taken from Warren and incorporated June 16, 1770.
In the early days, Barrington was a farming community, and in the 19th century was popular as a summer resort area. Although Barrington has several manufacturing establishments, it is best known as a place of beautiful homes and country estates. At Nayatt Point, in the southwestern part of the town, is a beautiful summer colony on the shores of Narragansett Bay. Also in Barrington lies the Rhode Island Country Club, a golf course rated among the best in the east. The Barrington River offers safe anchorage for a large number of motor and sailing craft, providing convenient access to the broad reaches of Narragansett Bay.
Irena Nedeljkovic-Cunningham