City of Woonsocket

Updated Demographic and Economic Characteristics

* Annual information for 2000-2006 is available by downloading this Excel file

Government

City Hall
169 Main St.
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Fax: 401-765-4569
Hours: 8:30 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

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

History

Woonsocket, the Indian name for “thundermist,” has a long and interesting history.  The area known as Woonsocket was first settled in the late 17th century. The early settlers farmed the land and utilized the power of the Woonsocket Falls. The city's abundant water power was a significant factor in determining the development of Woonsocket, which was mainly industrial. From the time it was first settled until nearly 100 years later, Woonsocket was a quiet backwoods region inhabited by Quaker farmers and millers. The city was noted as a stop on the highway to Boston, Worcester, Connecticut and Providence. The peaceful serenity of this early New England community soon changed. Between 1810 and 1830, six manufacturing villages sprang up. New settlers arrived from surrounding towns and Europe, as well as large numbers of French Canadians. In a short time Woonsocket became a bustling, industrial and ethnically diverse community.  Today manufacturing still dominates Woonsocket's economy, but to a lesser degree. Woonsocket's many residents work within the city as well as in nearby Massachusetts. Route 146, and the Providence and Worcester Railroad, link Woonsocket to the two major centers in the region, and Interstate 295 intersects Route 146 four miles south of the city.  Woonsocket's central location and easy accessibility makes the city an ideal location for business development and residence.


Contact Information