From the colonial homes that hug the side of its downtown hill as it recedes to its marina filled shore, all the way to the executive homes filling its western fields and woods, East Greenwich is the prime West Bay community. East Greenwich is well known for it's school system, the easy access to Narragansett Bay from its marinas, and maintaining a small town atmosphere in a growing community. East Greenwich is an easy 15 minutes from  Route 4 to Interstate 95 into Providence.

East Greenwich is geographically located in the center of the State of Rhode island, fifteen miles south of the state capitol in Providence. East Greenwich is the eighth oldest community in the state.

The town faces picturesque Narragansett Bay, and has the beauty and appeal of a seaport setting. Green hills, blue water, and quaint historic homes combine to produce a uniquely charming atmosphere.

East Greenwich, as all of Rhode Island, was originally owned by the Indians who lived here. The Indian lands were purchased by English settlers directly from the chief. Lands were also acquired by King's Charter, such as that granted to Roger Williams in 1644. East Greenwich was owned and inhabited by the Narragansett Tribe. By the King's Commission in 1665, it was acquired with the rest of the Narragansett Country as part of the Colony of Rhode Island.

From 1675 to 1677, the Narragansetts, along with other New England tribes, waged the King Philip's War against the settlers. It was not until their leader, King Philip, was killed at Mount Hope in Bristol that the war came to an end.

East Greenwich was incorporated as a town at the end of King Philip's war in 1667. The town was named for East Greenwich, County of Kent in England. The name East Greenwich, Rhode Island, was changed to Dedford in 1688. In 1689 however, Dedford became East Greenwich once again.

It was believed that East Greenwich would become the seat of State Government because of its advantageous location. In fact, for a time the General Assembly met in the town and it became known as a center of learning and culture.

Today, East Greenwich is a thriving community ideally located, compactly planned, culturally alert, and suburban in character. East Greenwich claims a distinction and individuality all its own.

GENERAL JAMES MITCHELL VARNUM HOUSE MUSEUM. (1773) 57 Peirce Street. A fine mansion furnished with period furniture and magnificent paneling, built by James Mitchell Varnum, one of George Washington's generals. Colonial garden. OPEN: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Thu-Sat, 1-4 p.m.; Sat in Sep, 1-4 p.m., and by appt. 884-1776.

INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF KENTISH GUARDS. Pierce Street. Chartered l774. General Nathaniel Greene, Washington's second-in-command of Revolutionary War troops, was a charter member of this company. OPEN: By appt. 295-5076, 884-3183.

NEW ENGLAND WIRELESS & STEAM MUSEUM, INC. Frenchtown and Tillinghast Roads. Exhibits include early radio, telegraph, and television equipment, as well as stationary steam, hot air, gas and oil engines. Reference library contains many early scientific texts. A museum of engineering. OPEN: By appt. (summer), Groups year-round, by appt. Annual Yankee Tune-Up (Summer) & Annual Yankee Steam-Up (Fall). 884-1710.

VARNUM MILITARY MUSEUM. (1913) 6 Main Street. Contains a general collection of objects pertaining to U.S. wars through WW1. OPEN: By appt. 884-4110.

Population: The population count for the Town of East Greenwich as of April 1, 2000, was 12,948. This represented a 9.1% change (1,083) from the 1990 population of 11,865. 

Population Density: East Greenwich contains 42.654 square kilometers of land area (16.469 Sq. Miles) and 0.352 square kilometers of water area (0.136 Sq. Miles). Total area is 43.006 square kilometers or 16.605 square miles.

The 2000 population density of East Greenwich is 784.7 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 9,384 persons residing in East Greenwich were 18 years of age or older.

More Census 2000 data on East Greenwich and the State of Rhode Island is available at the Statewide Planning Program Website.

Town Hall
PO Box 111
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Fax:  401-886-8625
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (Labor day - May 31)
8:30 am - 4 pm (June 1 - Labor Day)

**Information above provided by the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development Corporation

Web Links

Town of East Greenwich East Greenwich Chamber Of Commerce