Providence County is located in the northeastern corner of Rhode Island and encompasses an area of 436 square miles. The county is bordered by Massachusetts to the north, Kent County to the west and Washington County to the south. It includes two cities, Providence and Central Falls, as well as a number of smaller towns. The landscape of Providence County is composed largely of rolling hills and valleys, with some areas being more heavily wooded than others.
The Pawtuxet River runs through the center of Providence County, connecting it with Narragansett Bay on its eastern side and providing a source of water for many recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking. There are also several lakes scattered throughout the county including Mashapaug Pond in Cranston and Worden Pond in West Warwick which provide additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The terrain in Providence County ranges from flat coastal plains along its eastern shoreline to higher elevations in its inland areas. The highest point within the county is Jerimoth Hill which has an elevation of 812 feet above sea level. In addition to these natural features there are also numerous man-made landmarks such as Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence which offers visitors a chance to observe animals from all around the world up close.
In addition to its varied topography, Providence County also benefits from having a moderate climate all year round with temperatures rarely reaching extreme highs or lows making it an attractive location for those looking for a more temperate environment. This climate is further enhanced by its proximity to Narragansett Bay which helps moderate temperatures throughout the year while providing numerous opportunities for coastal activities such as sailing and swimming during warmer months.
All together these features make Providence County an attractive place to live or visit with something for everyone whether they prefer outdoor activities or cultural attractions such as museums or art galleries located within easy reach within cities like Providence or Pawtucket. With so much variety on offer it’s no wonder that this area remains popular amongst both locals and tourists alike who come here seeking out new experiences each time they visit.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Providence County, Rhode Island
Providence County, Rhode Island is the most populous county in the state and is home to a number of cities and towns. The county seat is Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, which is the third-largest city in New England. With a population of 178,042 according to the 2019 census estimates, Providence has a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike. From its historic downtown area to its vibrant arts scene, there’s plenty to explore here.
According to countryaah.com, the second-largest city in Providence County is Pawtucket with a population of 71,148. This small city has a rich history that dates back to 1671 when it was first established as an agricultural community. Today it’s known as the “Cradle of Industry” because it was home to some of America’s earliest industrial mills and factories. Pawtucket also boasts numerous cultural attractions such as Slater Mill (the birthplace of American industrialization) and Riverfront Park along with many other parks and recreational areas making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities.
Central Falls is another noteworthy city located within Providence County with a population of 19,376 according to 2019 estimates. This small city has recently undergone redevelopment which has seen many new businesses move into the area creating jobs for local residents while also providing additional cultural attractions such as galleries, museums, and theatres for visitors to enjoy.
Other notable cities within Providence County include Cranston (population 81,958) which is home to Roger Williams Park Zoo one of New England’s oldest zoos; Warwick (population 82,672) which contains numerous historical sites including Apponaug Village; West Warwick (population 28 045) which features Worden Pond and other outdoor attractions; Cumberland (population 33 742) famous for its scenic vistas; North Smithfield (population 11 213) located on the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor; Johnston (population 29 033), an agricultural community with numerous farms; East Providence (population 47 037), situated on Narragansett Bay; Barrington (population 16 310), located on Narragansett Bay with numerous parks and beaches nearby; North Providence (population 32 552), situated between two rivers; Smithfield (population 22 349), known for its rural charm and historic buildings; Lincoln (population 22 059), located on Narragansett Bay with an abundance of recreational activities available nearby; Foster (population 4 627); Glocester (populatin 8 930); Scituate (populatin 10 072); Burrillville(populatin 15 955); Hopkinton(populatin 5 809).
In conclusion, Providence County offers something for everyone whether they prefer outdoor activities or cultural attractions such as museums or art galleries located within easy reach within cities like Providence or Pawtucket. With so much variety on offer it’s no wonder that this area remains popular amongst both locals and tourists alike who come here seeking out new experiences each time they visit.
History of Providence County, Rhode Island
Providence County, Rhode Island has a rich history dating back to the early 1600s. The first European settlers in the area were Roger Williams and his followers, who founded the settlement of Providence in 1636. Williams was a religious dissenter who had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and he established Providence as a refuge for those seeking freedom of religion.
Over the next century, Providence would grow to become an important port city and trading hub. It was also home to many of the country’s earliest educational institutions such as Brown University, which was founded in 1764. During this time, Providence also became an important manufacturing center for textiles and other goods.
The Revolutionary War saw Rhode Island come under British occupation from 1776-1779, but by 1790 it had become the last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution. In 1842, Providence County was formed from parts of Kent and Washington counties and included all of what is now considered Rhode Island with cities like Cranston, Warwick, West Warwick and Cumberland all within its boundaries.
The 19th century saw continued growth for Providence County with its cities becoming major industrial centers for textiles and other goods such as jewelry making which remains popular today. The Industrial Revolution also brought about significant population growth as immigrants arrived from Europe seeking work in these factories. By 1900 Providence had become one of New England’s largest cities with over 175,000 inhabitants making it one of America’s most populous cities at that time.
In recent decades there has been a shift away from traditional industry towards service-based businesses while many new cultural attractions have also been created such as galleries, museums, theatres etc., all aimed at providing visitors with additional entertainment options while they are visiting this historic county. Even though much has changed over time in terms of its economy and population size, Providence County still remains a vibrant part of New England with plenty to offer both locals and visitors alike.
Economy of Providence County, Rhode Island
The economy of Providence County, Rhode Island has gone through many changes over the years. From its beginnings as a refuge for religious dissenters to its current status as a major port city and trading hub, the county has seen its fair share of economic progress. In the early 19th century, Providence County was an important manufacturing center for textiles and other goods such as jewelry making. Many immigrants from Europe arrived during this time in search of work in these factories which helped fuel the Industrial Revolution.
By 1900 Providence had become one of New England’s largest cities with over 175,000 inhabitants making it one of America’s most populous cities at that time. The 20th century saw more changes to the economy with a shift away from traditional industry towards service-based businesses. Today, the county is home to many educational institutions such as Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. It has also become a major tourist destination with attractions like WaterFire Providence drawing visitors from all over the world.
In addition to tourism and education, Providence County is home to numerous businesses ranging from small start-ups to large corporations like CVS Health and Citizens Bank which are both headquartered in Rhode Island. The county is also home to many corporate offices including those for Fidelity Investments, Johnson and Johnson, MetLife Insurance, Textron Inc., and Amgen Inc., among others.
The port city is also home to several Fortune 500 companies such as Hasbro Inc., FM Global Insurance Company, United Natural Foods Inc., CVS Health Corporation and Textron Inc., all of which employ thousands of people each year in Rhode Island alone. Additionally, there are numerous small businesses throughout the county that contribute significantly to its Overall, economic health by providing jobs for local residents and generating revenue for local governments through taxes paid on their products or services.
Overall, Providence County’s economy has been able to adapt throughout history while still maintaining its roots in manufacturing and traditional industries such as textiles and jewelry making. Today it is a vibrant mix of service-based businesses supported by numerous educational institutions along with major corporate headquarters located within its borders. With so much diversity in terms of economic activity present throughout the county it is no wonder why it continues to be an important part of New England’s economy.