Narragansett, RI

Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the allure of the ocean fog can be a part of your everyday experience in Narragansett as water borders you on three sides. Once a vacation paradise for the rich, the then summer cottages are now prime executive residences. Narragansett is famous for its beaches, saltwater fishing and other summer sports, such as biking and surfing. Narragansett can be reached by following Route 1 or I-95 to Route 4 to Route 1 and is a 35 to 45-minute commute to Providence.

A narrow strip of land running along the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River to the shore of the Bay, Narragansett was separated from South Kingstown in 1888, and incorporated as a town in 1901.

The early history of Narragansett is shared with the adjoining Town of South Kingstown. It was in this area that the rival Narragansett and Niantic Indians hunted, fished, tilled the soil and fought.

Narragansett was originally a farming area but rapidly developed into a summer resort and fishing community.

Residential development was predominantly single family dwellings with a major portion used as seasonal residences. Today, the year-round population is rapidly increasing.

The parallel pair of stone arches spanning Ocean Road, anchored on either side by curved towers, are a powerful image today of a glorious bygone era. The Towers, all that remains of the Casino, are a testament to the Golden Victorian resort era. Designed in 1883, by the famous New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, the 3-story blocks of granite, with semi-circular ends, topped by conical roofs, are connected by one long gallery room. The main Casino building burned in a fire in 1900.

Commercial development is limited to tourist oriented type businesses. Other development is centered on the waterfront (fishing) and research activities of the State of Rhode Island, and the Federal Government at the University of Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay Campus.

Town Hall: 25 Fifth Avenue Narragansett, RI 02885
Phone: (401) 789-1044

Website: www.narragansettri.gov

Other Links

Narragansett Schools
Narragansett Chamber of Commerce
South County Tourism Council