City of Warwick
Updated Demographic and Economic Characteristics
* Annual information for 2000-2010 is available by downloading this Excel file
Government
City Hall
3275 Post Rd.
Warwick, RI 02886
Fax: 401-738-6639
Hours: 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m
- Established: 1642
- Incorporated: 1931
- Form of government: Mayor and nine-member city council
- Council meetings: The second and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
- Fiscal year begins: July 1
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
Hyperlinks provided by the Office of Municipal Affairs, Rhode Island Department of Administration.
- City of Warwick homepage
- Warwick OnLine local news and events by the Warwick Beacon
- Warwick municipal departments and officials
- Warwick state senator and representative
- Area points of interest and attractions please visit the city's tourism website
History
The city of Warwick was founded January 12, 1642, when Samuel Gorton, and a dozen friends purchased more than 100 square miles of land from the Mahament Indians, a local branch of the great Nanhiganset nation. These new settlers made their home in what today is referred to as Shawomet, or Old Warwick, at the head of the Old Warwick Cove. The city was reduced in land size by the loss of Coventry in 1741 and West Warwick in 1913. This left Warwick half of its original size, or 50 square miles. The settlement took its name "Warwick" in honor of the Earl of Warwick, who was instrumental in gaining an official charter in 1647.
Today, Warwick is the second largest city in Rhode Island. The city is situated at the center of the state's super-highway system. Theodore Francis (T.F.) Green State Airport is located there and is the state's largest commercial air terminal. Two large shopping malls are also located in Warwick. Warwick offers many educational, recreational and cultural opportunities. The Knight Campus of Community College of Rhode Island, a state-supported facility, is located in the western section of Warwick. Goddard Memorial State Park, one of the largest parks in Rhode Island is located in the Potowomut section of Warwick. The park offers picnic areas, accented with activities such as golfing and salt water bathing. Warwick's central location in Rhode Island as well as the easy access for air travel, has made the city a prime area for further industrial, commercial and population growth.
Tim Cole