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Situated in the northeastern corner of the state along the Massachusetts border, Cumberland serves a bedroom community to Providence and Boston. Once a rural community, it is now a growing community of executive and upper middle class developments that is intent on retaining its rural character. Cumberland is a short 20 minute drive to Providence down Interstate 295 to route 146 and only 30 minutes to RTE 128 in Massachusetts via Interstates 295 to 95.
The Town of Cumberland was one of five towns received from Massachusetts by Royal Decree. The Town was known as Attleboro Gore until 1746, when it was incorporated in Rhode Island as the Town of Cumberland. Cumberland was named in honor of William, the Duke of Cumberland.
Cumberland's early industrial growth centered around the abundant water power of the Blackstone and Abbott Run Rivers.
Minerals such as iron and copper were once mined in Cumberland. The town was once known as the mineral deposit of New England because of the extensive mineral deposits within its border. Several shafts over one hundred years old are still visible, but mineral deposits are no longer commercially mined.
Today, manufacturing and retail trade are the largest sources of income in Cumberland. The continued industrial and commercial growth has contributed greatly to Cumberland's tax base. The Town still retains its early rural charm even with the steady growth in industry, commerce and population.
Cumberland's country atmosphere, convenient location, and continued growth make this town an excellent choice for residence and business interests.
DIAMOND HILL. Rte. 114. A striking mile-long face of veined quartz, deposited by mineral laden hot water flowing along a fracture in the earth's crust.
DIAMOND HILL VINEYARDS. 3145 Diamond Hill Road. Set on 33 acres. The vineyard offers group picnics for 15-150 people. Vineyard tours, including wine and cheese, for bus tours. Gift shop in 200 year-old house. Unusual plantings on grounds. Free tastings daily, event schedule sent on request. OPEN: Year-round, weekdays, 12-5 p.m.; Sat, 12-5 p.m.; Sun, 12-5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 333-2751, 800-752-2505.
NINE MEN'S MISERY. Monument is on the grounds of the Edward J. Hayden library, Diamond Hill Road. First monument to veteran's commemorates "Pierce's Fight," when on March 26, 1676, a party of nine colonial militiamen, under the command of Captain Michael Pierce were pursued by marauding Indians and slaughtered. 333-6293.
THE MONASTERY. Rte. 114. Site of a former Cistercian Monastery, now owned and maintained by the Town of Cumberland. Jogging and walking trails. Horseback riding allowed. Although fire destroyed many buildings built by the Trappist Monks in the 1950's, portions of the original monastery buildings are still intact. OPEN: Dawn to dusk. 728-2400.
VALLEY FALLS HERITAGE PARK. Route 114/Broad. Scenic park-educational site located along the banks of the Blackstone River as part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. OPEN: Sunrise to sunset. 728-2400.
WILLIAM BLACKSTONE MONUMENT. Broad Street. Large granite marker, marking the approximate site of the grave and park of the Reverend William Blackstone, a contemplative Anglican clergyman, and who, in 1635 became the first European to settle in what is now Rhode Island. 334-7773.
Population: The population count for the Town of Cumberland as of April 1, 2000, was 31,840. This represented a 9.6% change (2,802) from the 1990 population of 29,038.
Population Density: Cumberland contains 69.402 square kilometers of land area (26.796 Sq. Miles) and 3.772 square kilometers of water area (1.456 Sq. Miles). Total area is 73.174 square kilometers or 28.253 square miles.
The 2000 population density of Cumberland is 1,188.1 persons per square mile of land area.
Age Distribution: In 2000, 24,150 persons residing in Cumberland were 18 years of age or older.
| Population: | 1990 | 2000 | Change |
| Total | 29,038 | 31,840 | 2,802 |
More Census 2000 data on Cumberland and the State of Rhode Island is available at the Statewide Planning Program Website.
Town Hall
45 Broad Street
Cumberland, RI 02864
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
Summer: 9:00am-4:00pm
| Location: | Providence County |
| Form of Government: | Mayor and seven-member Town Council |
| Council Meetings: | The first and third Wednesday of each month. First Wednesday-Board of License Commissioners. |
| Fiscal year begins: | July 1 |
**Information above provided by the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development Corporation
