Westerly, RI

Located in the southwestern corner of the State, the Town of Westerly has an atmosphere of an old New England village. Westerly has a history unique in the annals of U.S. History, The Indian name for Westerly was Misquamicut - a place for taking salmon.

Westerly was the first town incorporated in the King's Province on May 13, 1669, and the fifth town in the colony. On the 23rd of June 1686, the name was changed from Westerly to Haversham, but the former name was restored in 1689. The Towns of Charlestown, Hopkinton and Richmond were later taken from the Town of Westerly.

In its early beginnings, Westerly was the frontier town of the colony. Out of this beginning many diversified industries grew, but Westerly has been best known for the granite that was once taken from its quarries, for building purposes in neighboring towns and cities, and for monuments in various parts of the country.

Westerly is also known as a vacation area. The position of Watch Hill almost surrounded by the ocean and bay with beautiful formation of rocks and sand beaches all contribute to its beauty. The winds bring in the cool bracing sea air and the temperature in the summer is rarely oppressive. Rowing, swimming, ocean sailing, fishing and hiking make this a favorite resort area.

Town Hall: 45 Broad Street Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: (401) 348-2508

Website: www.townofwesterly.com

Other Links

Westerly Schools
Visit Westerly
Visit Watch Hill