Located immediately south of Providence, Cranston is a bayside community, an urban extension of Providence and a receding rural retreat from urban life. The variety that is Cranston extends from the colonial port village of Pawtuxet to its central shopping district of Garden City. Residents are proud of the youth programs that have led to a national little league title and the playground and park system that are well located throughout the city. Cranston is easily accessed by Interstate 95 and 295 bisect the city in the eastern and western sections.

Cranston, originally a part of Providence, was settled in 1638, by friends of Roger Williams known as the Pawtuxet Purchasers, among them William Arnold, the father of Benedict Arnold of Newport. In 1754, it separated from Providence and became a town. The City government was organized in 1910.

Similar to the adjoining City of Warwick, the early growth of Cranston was due to the development of the textile and other industries along the Pawtuxet River, which provided water power.

Western Cranston has become more desirable in recent years for both residential and industrial development. This is primarily due to the completion of Route 295 and the installation of sanitary sewers in the area.

A small village wedged between the cities of Cranston and Warwick, the Pawtuxet Village section of Cranston is one of the oldest communities in Rhode Island. Pawtuxet Cove was an ideal harbor, and the falls in the Pawtuxet River provided water power.

The first village of Pawtuxet was a major casualty of King Philip's War, being completely destroyed by fire in an Indian attack on January 12, 1676. It was quickly rebuilt, and by the time of the Revolution, Pawtuxet was a busy seaport.

In the 19TH Century the falls provided water power for a burgeoning textile industry, and in the early 20TH Century, Pawtuxet became known as a fine summer resort. Despite the industrial development of surrounding areas, the center of Pawtuxet Village remains an identifiable community of Colonial and Victorian homes.

Today the City of Cranston is one of the major commercial and industrial areas of Rhode Island. The manufacture of jewelry, food, combined metals and machinery are the largest employers in the city.

GOVERNOR SPRAGUE MANSION. (1790) 1351 Cranston Street. Former home of politically and financially prominent Sprague family. Birthplace of two Rhode Island governors and current headquarters of Cranston Historical Society. Twenty-eight room, 2 1/2-story house built in 1790; addition, 1864. Carrington collection of Oriental art objects. Authentically restored Sprague parlor, unusual music box, and sewing cabinet. Restored carriage house and stable containing carriages, sleighs, pony carts, gypsy wagon, and Bicentennial Conestoga Wagon. OPEN: By appt. for groups of ten or more, year-round. 944-9226.

 JOY HOMESTEAD. (c. 1778) 156 Scituate Avenue. Farmhouse built by Job Joy, a cobbler and farmer. Five rooms furnished with period antiques. OPEN: By appt. 944-1273.

Population: The population count for the City of Cranston as of April 1, 2000, was 79,269. This represented a 4.2% change (3,209) from the 1990 population of 76,060. 

Population Density: Cranston contains 73.992 square kilometers of land area (28.568 Sq. Miles) and 3.529 square kilometers of water area (1.363 Sq. Miles). Total area is 77.521 square kilometers or 29.931 square miles.

The 2000 population density of Cranston is 2,771.6 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 62,171 persons residing in Cranston were 18 years of age or older.

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

City Hall
869 Park Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
FAX:   401-461-9650
Hours:   9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Summer:  9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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

Web Links

City of Cranston Cranston Chamber of Commerce Cranston School Department