Town of North Smithfield

Updated Demographic and Economic Characteristics

* Annual information for 2000-2010 is available by downloading this Excel file

Government

Town Hall
Main Street
North Smithfield, RI 02876
Fax: 401-766-0016
Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Census 2000 Data

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

Hyperlink provided by the Office of Municipal Affairs, Rhode Island Department of Administration.

History

North Smithfield is located in the northwest portion of the original territory of Smithfield. The town was incorporated in March 1871, and was at first named Slater. Sixteen days later its original name was changed to North Smithfield. North Smithfield was rural-agrarian in its beginnings. Most of the early settlers lived on farms and their lives were centered around the farm. With the advent of organized industry, North Smithfield, like many other Rhode Island communities, had its early industrial growth centered on its water power. Villages developed around the mills, each growing and developing its own unique characteristics. North Smithfield never had a central meeting place, although the Village of Slatersville was always important, and eventually became the seat of town government. North Smithfield has changed much from its former agrarian beginnings. The land is still there but the lives of the town's occupants are radically different from the earlier residents. The farmer and millwright have been replaced with many diverse occupations which are carried on the outside of North Smithfield's boundaries. The forest and farmland has been and is presently being redesigned into residential, industrial, commercial and recreational use. The town has assumed a suburban character but has not lost its early charm, which is so characteristic of North Smithfield.


Contact Information