Town of West Greenwich

Updated Demographic and Economic Characteristics

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

Government

Town Hall
280 Victory Highway
West Greenwich, RI 02817
Fax: 401-397-6890
Hours: 9 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

The "Vacant Land Tract" lying to the west of the town of East Greenwich was the favorite hunting grounds of the Narragansett Indians. Game animals were abundant and the Big River and Wood River were fished for salmon and trout. Several wigwams and early shelters were built in the Mishnock area, and the woods surrounding Nooseneck and Rattlesnake Ledge. On June 10, 1709, a group of 13 men purchased 35,000 acres of the "Vacant Lands" for the sum of 1,000 pounds. A signed petition was submitted in October 1740 to Governor Richard Wandd requesting that the area be set off as a separate town. It was not until April 1741 that the General Assembly for the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at the request of the freemen of this area incorporated West Greenwich as a separate town.  The settlers of West Greenwich were a hardy and handy lot accustomed to hard work and the use of the gun and axe. After the American Revolution farming and lumbering became the main occupations of the townspeople. During the Civil War manufacturing goods took precedence and contributed considerably to the town's development during this period.  West Greenwich is noted for its fine riding trails and rural countryside.


Contact Information