Narragansett, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
Narragansett is a town
in Washington County
, Rhode Island
, United States
. The population was 15,868 at the 2010 census
, but there is a greater population in the summer. The nickname for the town is "Gansett". The town of Narragansett occupies a narrow strip of land running along the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River to the shore of Narragansett Bay. It was separated from South Kingstown in 1888, and incorporated as a town in 1901.
For geographic and demographic information on the village of Narragansett Pier, which is part of Narragansett, see the article Narragansett Pier
.
, the town has a total area of 37.8 square miles (97.9 km²), of which, 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²) of it is land and 23.6 square miles (61.1 km²) of it (62.56%) is water.
The following villages and neighborhoods are wholly or partially located in Narragansett: Saunderstown
(shared with North Kingstown
), South Ferry, Bonnet Shores, Narragansett Pier
, Point Judith
, Galilee
, Great Island, Salt Pond, Mettatuxet, and Jerusalem
(shared with South Kingstown
).
of 2000, there were 16,361 people, 6,846 households, and 3,847 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1,156.5 people per square mile (446.4/km²). There were 9,159 housing units at an average density of 647.4 per square mile (249.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.84% White, 0.75% African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races
, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.
There were 6,846 households out of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples
living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the town the population was spread out with 17.3% under the age of 18, 19.6% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $50,363, and the median income for a family was $67,571. Males had a median income of $45,436 versus $31,759 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $28,194. About 4.9% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.
From September through May the town is home to many students from the University of Rhode Island
located in nearby Kingston.
, located near Galilee, contains a former military fort and a campground.
Three beaches in Narragansett that are most famous are:
Narragansett operates its own Pre-K through 12 educational system with three schools: Narragansett Elementary School, Narragansett Pier Middle School, and Narragansett High School
. The Narragansett High School principal, Mr. Daniel F. Warner, was voted the 2008 Principal of the Year. The South County Museum
is located within the town.
Thirteen different buildings and districts in Narragansett are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
:
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Washington County
Washington County, Rhode Island
Washington County, commonly known colloquially as South County, is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Washington County borders Kent County to the north, New London County in Connecticut to the west, Suffolk County in New York to the southwest, the Atlantic...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 15,868 at the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
, but there is a greater population in the summer. The nickname for the town is "Gansett". The town of Narragansett occupies a narrow strip of land running along the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River to the shore of Narragansett Bay. It was separated from South Kingstown in 1888, and incorporated as a town in 1901.
For geographic and demographic information on the village of Narragansett Pier, which is part of Narragansett, see the article Narragansett Pier
Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island
Narragansett Pier is an unincorporated village and a census-designated place in the town of Narragansett in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 3,671 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 37.8 square miles (97.9 km²), of which, 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²) of it is land and 23.6 square miles (61.1 km²) of it (62.56%) is water.
The following villages and neighborhoods are wholly or partially located in Narragansett: Saunderstown
Saunderstown, Rhode Island
Saunderstown is a small village and historic district in the towns of Narragansett and North Kingstown in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States....
(shared with North Kingstown
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
North Kingstown is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 26,486 at the 2010 census. The famous American portraitist Gilbert Stuart was born in the village of Saunderstown, located in the southern region of North Kingstown....
), South Ferry, Bonnet Shores, Narragansett Pier
Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island
Narragansett Pier is an unincorporated village and a census-designated place in the town of Narragansett in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 3,671 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
, Point Judith
Point Judith
Point Judith is a village and a small cape, on the coast of Narragansett, Rhode Island, on the western side of Narragansett Bay where it opens out onto Rhode Island Sound....
, Galilee
Galilee, Rhode Island
Galilee is a fishing village within the town of Narragansett, Rhode Island on Point Judith. It is across the harbor from Jerusalem, Rhode Island...
, Great Island, Salt Pond, Mettatuxet, and Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Rhode Island
Jerusalem is a fishing village within the town of Narragansett, Rhode Island on Point Judith. It is across the harbor from Galilee, Rhode Island...
(shared with South Kingstown
South Kingstown, Rhode Island
South Kingstown is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 30,639 at the 2010 census.South Kingstown includes the villages of Kingston, West Kingston, Wakefield, Peace Dale, Snug Harbor, Tuckertown, East Matunuck, Matunuck, Green Hill, and Perryville. Peace...
).
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 16,361 people, 6,846 households, and 3,847 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,156.5 people per square mile (446.4/km²). There were 9,159 housing units at an average density of 647.4 per square mile (249.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.84% White, 0.75% African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.
There were 6,846 households out of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the town the population was spread out with 17.3% under the age of 18, 19.6% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $50,363, and the median income for a family was $67,571. Males had a median income of $45,436 versus $31,759 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $28,194. About 4.9% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.
From September through May the town is home to many students from the University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the principal public research university in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Its main campus is located in Kingston. Additional campuses include the Feinstein Campus in Providence, the Narragansett Bay Campus in Narragansett, and the W. Alton Jones Campus in West...
located in nearby Kingston.
Recreation
Narragansett is known for its summer recreation and beaches. Fishermen's Memorial State ParkFishermen's Memorial State Park
Fishermen's Memorial State Park is a 91 acre state park and campground on Point Judith in Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA near the Block Island Ferry....
, located near Galilee, contains a former military fort and a campground.
Three beaches in Narragansett that are most famous are:
- Narragansett Town Beach is located in the center of Narragansett, though it charges a fee—whereas other local (state funded), beaches charge for parking only. Unlike state funded beaches, it is self sustaining and is not supported by the tax payers' money. There is a $10.00 charge to park ($15.00 on the weekends/holidays) and a daily $6.00 admission fee to enter onto the beach.
- Scarborough State Beach: The Scarborough Beach Complex comprises two separate areas, the North and South. Each has a pavilion, showers, 75 picnic tables, boardwalk and observation tower. There is a small fee for parking if a spot on nearby streets can not be found. Parking on nearby streets can result in vehicles being towed (especially during the summer months). This beach sits next to a local sewage treatment plant.
- Roger Wheeler State Beach and Salty Brine State Beach are both located in Point Judith, which is the southern most point of Narragansett. Both beaches are protected by the breakwater that protects the port of Galilee. A new pavilion is set to open in Summer 2010 with a nominal parking fee.
Education
Narragansett High School
Narragansett High School is a public high school in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Narragansett High School serves 466 students in grades 9-12. Daniel F...
. The Narragansett High School principal, Mr. Daniel F. Warner, was voted the 2008 Principal of the Year. The South County Museum
South County Museum
The South County Museum is a non-profit museum in Narragansett, Rhode Island.South County Museum was founded in 1933 in North Kingstown and the original collections were held in a barn in Wickford. After a year, the museum moved to the Knight Farm on Scrabbletown Road in North Kingstown...
is located within the town.
National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
:
- Central Street Historic District
- DruidsdreamDruidsdreamDruidsdream is an historic site at 144 Gibson Avenue in Narragansett, Rhode Island.The Gothic Revival-Colonial Revival house was built in 1884 and added to the National Historic Register in 1989....
(1844) - DunmereDunmere, Rhode IslandDunmere is a historic house at 560 Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island.The building was constructed in 1883 by John M. Merrick in a Stick/Eastlake, Queen Anne style and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005....
(1883) - Earlscourt Historic DistrictEarlscourt Historic DistrictEarlscourt Historic District is a historic district in Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States, bounded by Westmoreland, Noble, Woodward Streets, and Gibson Avenue....
- GardencourtGardencourtGardencourt is an historic site at 10 Gibson Avenue in Narragansett, Rhode Island.The site was built by Williams Gibbons Preston in 1888 in a Shingle style and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982....
(1888) - Gladstone Springhouse and Bottling PlantGladstone Springhouse and Bottling PlantThe Gladstone Springhouse and Bottling Plant is an historic site at 145a Boon Street in Narragansett, Rhode Island.The plant was built in 1899 by T.G. Hazard Jr.. It was added to the National Register of Historic Placs in 1984.-References:...
(1899) - Greene InnGreene InnGreene Inn is an historic site at 175 Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island.The Shingle style inn was built in 1887 by William Gibbons Preston and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976....
(1887) - Narragansett Baptist ChurchNarragansett Baptist ChurchNarragansett Baptist Church is an historic Baptist church building located at 170 South Ferry Road, in Narragansett, Rhode Island.-History:...
(1850) - Narragansett Pier Life Saving StationNarragansett Pier Life Saving StationNarragansett Pier Life Saving Station is an historic lifesaving station at 40 Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island.The station was built in 1888 by McKim, Mead, and White and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976....
(1888) - Ocean Road Historic DistrictOcean Road Historic DistrictOcean Road Historic District is a historic district at Ocean and Wildfield Farm Roads, and Newton and Hazard Avenues in Narragansett, Rhode Island....
- Point Judith Lighthouse (1857)
- Towers Historic DistrictTowers Historic DistrictTowers Historic District is a historic district in Narragansett, Rhode Island, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Exchange Place, Mathewson and Taylor Streets.The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982....
- The TowersThe Towers (Narragansett, Rhode Island)The Towers, also known as the Tower entrance to the Narragansett Casino is a historic structure located on Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It is the only remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino built in the 1880s...
(1883)
Cultural allusions
- Narragansett is mentioned in Chapter LI of Theodore DreiserTheodore DreiserTheodore Herman Albert Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist of the naturalist school. His novels often featured main characters who succeeded at their objectives despite a lack of a firm moral code, and literary situations that more closely resemble studies of nature than tales of...
's The TitanThe TitanThe Titan is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser in 1914. It is Dreiser's sequel to The Financier.-Plot summary:Cowperwood moves to Chicago with his new wife Aileen. He decides to take over the street-railway system. He bankrupts several opponents with the help of John J. McKenty and other...
. - Several episodes in the television cartoon show Family GuyFamily GuyFamily Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian...
, which takes place in Rhode IslandRhode IslandThe state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
.