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Located at the far southeastern tip of Rhode Island and stretching into the Atlantic Ocean, Little Compton remains the most bucolic and countrified of the thirty-nine communities in the state. It has little commercial activity and serves primarily as a vacation community and an hourly commute to Providence or Boston for those who must enjoy it's solitude for twelve months Little Compton is accessed from I-195 in Massachusetts to Route 24 to Route 77.
Little Compton was incorporated as a part of Plymouth Colony in 1682, after having been settled by Captain Benjamin Church, the noted Indian fighter, and others seven years previously. In 1746, under Royal Decree, it was transferred to Rhode Island together with the Towns of Cumberland, Barrington, Bristol and Tiverton.
The town was originally the home of the "Sagonate" or "Sakonnet" Indians, a particularly independent group of native Americans that fought with the settlers against the notorious King Philip, Sachem of the Wampanoags. King Philip waged a bloody war against the white settlers and tried to induce other neighboring tribes to join him.
The southern end of the town bordering the Atlantic is still known as "Sakonnet". It was here that Captain Church cleared the area for settlement.
Following the end of Indian hostilities, the small settlement in Little Compton enjoyed comparative peace and prosperity until a new threat arose; the British occupation of Newport during the Revolution. Foraging parties from the British garrison invaded Little Compton several times. The British raiders met with stiff resistance from the settlers, and were "bushwacked" several times as in the skirmish at the Taggart House.
Today, Little Compton is a rural-farming community. It was in Little Compton that the famous Rhode Island Red, (a breed of fowl and the State Bird), was developed. Fishing is still a major industry in the town, as one can observe with the daily departure of the fishing fleet from the Sakonnet Wharf. The town has also developed into an ideal vacation spot with the traditional atmosphere of colonial New England.
GRAY'S STORE. (1788) 4 Main Street, Adamsville. Built in 1788, by Samuel Church, Gray's is one of, if not the oldest continuously operating stores in the country. In the Village of Adamsville. Contains old post office (first in Little Compton, 1804). Original soda fountain, candy and tobacco cases, and ice chest. Aged cheddar cheese, Gray's Meal, penny candy, antique display items, vintage clothing and collectibles. OPEN: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Mon-Fri, 9:30-5:30 p.m.; Sat, 9:30-5 p.m.; Sun & holidays, 12-4 p.m. Winter: Mon-Fri, 9:30-5:30 p.m.; Sat, 9:30-5 p.m.; closed Sun & holidays. 635-4566.
MONUMENT TO ELIZABETH PABODIE. Commons Burial Ground. Gravesite of first white girl born in New England, a daughter of Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. OPEN: Dusk to dawn.
RHODE ISLAND RED MONUMENT. Main Street, Adamsville. Commemorates the breed established in 1854 and honors the famous edible commodity which gave the poultry industry to the world. OPEN: Dawn to dusk.
SAKONNET VINEYARDS. (1975) 162 West Main Road, Route 77. Tastings, tours and audio-visual presentation throughout the year, self-guided vineyard walks. Retail shop open daily. OPEN: May 1-Oct, 10-6 p.m.; Nov-Apr, 11-5 p.m. 635-8486.
WILBOR HOUSE, BARN, & QUAKER MEETING HOUSE. West Road. Historic early 18th century structure, maintained by Little Compton Historical Society. The Wilbor House was built during 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries and restored in 1956 by Little Compton Historical Society with period furnishings. Barn contains historical New England farm items, tools, utensils, and vehicles. OPEN: Wilbor House & Barn, mid-Jun-mid-Sep, Tue-Sun, 2-5 p.m. or by appt. Last tour at 4:30. 635-4035.
Population: The population count for the Town of Little Compton as of April 1, 2000, was 3,593. This represented a 7.6% change (254) from the 1990 population of 3,339.
Population Density: Little Compton contains 54.068 square kilometers of land area (20.876 Sq. Miles) and 20.797 square kilometers of water area (8.030 Sq. Miles). Total area is 74.865 square kilometers or 28.905 square miles.
The 2000 population density of Little Compton is 172 persons per square mile of land area.
Age Distribution: In 2000, 2,813 persons residing in Little Compton were 18 years of age or older.
| Population: | 1990 | 2000 | Change |
| Total | 3,339 | 3,593 | 254 |
More Census 2000 data on Little Compton and the State of Rhode Island is available at the Statewide Planning Program Website.
Town Hall
The Commons, Box 523
Little Compton, RI 02837
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
FAX: 635-2470
| Location: | Newport County |
| Form of Government: | Five member Town Council headed by a Council President. |
| Council Meetings: | The first Thursday after
the first Monday each month and two weeks thereafter. Financial Town Meeting held the third Tuesday in May. |
| Fiscal year begins: | July 1 |
**Information above provided by the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development Corporation
