The Town of Warren is the twenty-sixth largest municipality in the State of Rhode Island. Warren, enjoying a colorful history, is continually growing in population, industry and commercial establishments.

When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay was occupied by the Wampanoag Indians ruled by Massasoit and later by his son King Philip. Warren is a portion of what once belonged to the Wampanoag Tribe. Warren, like Tiverton, was transferred from Massachusetts to Rhode Island in the settlement of a boundary dispute in 1746, and was incorporated the following year. The town's name, Warren, shows the popularity of Admiral Sir Peter Warren, who commanded the British fleet which co-operated with the New England troops in the capture of the fortress of Louisberg. The town was pillaged and partially burned by the Hessian troops during the Revolutionary War. In the early days Warren held its place in world commerce (privateering and shipbuilding), and its plentiful water supply from the Warren and Kickamuit Rivers, together with its location on Narragansett Bay, soon helped to make it a thriving industrial center.

Rhode Island College, (now Brown University), was founded in the Town of Warren in 1746, and had its first commencement there before moving to its present location in Providence.

The southern portion of the town is situated on picturesque Mount Hope Bay, giving the town a panoramic view. Residents enjoy a variety of aquatic activities including boating, fishing and swimming.

CHARLES R. CARR COLLECTION. (1887) 530 Main Street. Located in the George Hail Library. Pre-Colombian, Peruvian, and North American Indian artifacts. Items include utensils, farming and fishing implements, glass beads, and wampum (Indian currency). OPEN: Wed, 2-4 p.m. and by appt. 245-7686.

FIREMEN'S MUSEUM. 42 Baker Street. Housed in the old Narragansett Steam Fire Company Station Number 3. The early Victorian building houses, among its fire department memorabilia, the Little Hero, the town's first fire engine purchased in 1802. OPEN: By appt. only. 245-7600.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. 25 Church Street. Established 1789, this is the first Methodist church in the state. Tri-level Georgian spire rises 160 feet. OPEN: By appt. 245-8474.

MASONIC TEMPLE. Baker Street. Oldest Masonic Temple in New England. In the 19th century, ground floor was used for town offices and the Warren Academy. Among architectural distinctions are twin doorways and elaborate Federal period carpentry, using timbers from Revolutionary War British frigates sunk in Newport Harbor. OPEN: By appt. 245-7652.

MAXWELL HOUSE. (1755) 59 Church Street. A two and one-half story, brick, Colonial-gable house, built by the Rev. Samuel Maxwell and the home of James and Level Maxwell, prominent ship owners and merchants. The house, under restoration, features a massive central chimney with two beehive bake ovens. Fireplace and bake oven cooking, candle dipping, other 18th century crafts periodically demonstrated. OPEN: Jun-Aug, first Fri, 5-8 p.m.; and by appt. Call for special seasonal events. 245-7652.

ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. (1830) 23 Lyndon Street. Designed by Russell Warren, architect of Providence Arcade and DeWolf residences in Bristol. Distinguished by massive Ionic columns and canted enfacements of the double doors. Rectory (c.1751), final residence of Rhode Island's last Colonial governor, Josias Lyndon. Parish House (c.1860). All three on National Register of Historic Buildings. OPEN: By appt., Sun, 7 a.m-12 noon. 245-3161.

WARREN BAPTIST CHURCH. (1844) Main and Miller Streets. Russell Warren, architect. Replaces earlier structure, burned in 1778, during a British-Hessian raid. Tower bell recast from original Paul Revere. Rhode Island College, now Brown University, was established in the earlier Baptist Meeting House, 1764. OPEN: By appt. only. 245-3669, 245-6130.

WARREN TOWN HALL. 514 Main Street. Designed by William R. Walker and Son of Providence. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-4 p.m. 245-7340.

Population: The population count for the Town of Warren as of April 1, 2000, was 11,360. This represented a -0.2% change (-25) from the 1990 population of 11,385. 

Population Density: Warren contains 15.940 square kilometers of land area (6.154 Sq. Miles) and 6.479 square kilometers of water area (2.502 Sq. Miles). Total area is 22.419 square kilometers or 8.656 square miles.

The 2000 population density of Warren is 1,832.3 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 8,906 persons residing in Warren were 18 years of age or older.

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

Town Hall
Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Hours:  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
FAX: 245-7421

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

Web Links

Town or Warren Warren Online