This northern R. I. community still retains its rural charm as it becomes a growing suburban community. Much of this charm flows from the narrow country roads that wind through the town. Residents are proud of its school system. Lincoln is bisected north and south by the primary state route 146 and east-west by I-295 which makes Lincoln an easy access to the Route 128 belt in Massachusetts and only 10 minutes from downtown Providence.

Lincoln was set off from Smithfield and incorporated as a Rhode Island town in 1871. Lincoln preserves in a rural setting, the homes of some of Rhode island's first white settlers and the remains of small-scale industrialization. The earliest settlement in the town area took place about 1650. The area now constituting the City of Central Falls was once part of the town but it was separated and incorporated as a separate entity in 1895.

The Great Road (Rte. 123), which extends between the villages of Saylesville and Limerock, following the course of the Moshassuck River, presents in a .6 mile stretch a series of structures ranging from the 17TH to the 19TH Centuries that is little interrupted by modern intrusions.

Manufacturing is the principal source of income today. Jewelry, silverware and primary metals are the leading manufacturing groups, but recent years have shown a trend toward increased diversification, with the advent and growth of newer industries.

BLACKSTONE RIVER STATE PARK. Lower River Road, Quinville. A river front park with walking paths, canoe portage, fresh water fishing. Historical walking tours along the canal tow path built in 1828. OPEN: Daylight. 334-7773.

ELEAZER ARNOLD HOUSE. 487 Great Rd., Route 123. Unique stone-end 17th century dwelling featuring huge chimney wall. OPEN: By appt. (617) 227-3956.

FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE (QUAKER). 374 Great Road. Oldest meeting house in New England in continuous use. Sunday meetings, 10:30 a.m. OPEN: Tours by appt. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 723-2515.

HANNAWAY BLACKSMITH SHOP. Located along the Great Road Historic District, at 671 Great Road. One-story, barn-like structure built in the late 19th century. Recently restored as a demonstrative blacksmith shop. Open for special events. OPEN: One Sunday afternoon per month, between Apr & Nov. Special tours can be arranged. 333-1100, Ext. 249.

NORTH GATE. (1807) Old Louisquisset Pike, Route 246. Originally a toll-gate house for the Louisquisset Turnpike Co. Built in 1807, with later additions and renovations. Served as a hotel in mid-1800's. Houses library holdings pertaining to the Blackstone Valley. Small museum room with early 18th century furniture. Meeting hall and stage with unique illustrated curtain. OPEN: For monthly meetings and special events and by appt. 725-2847.

Population: The population count for the Town of Lincoln as of April 1, 2000, was 20,898. This represented a 15.8% change (2,853) from the 1990 population of 18,045. 

Population Density: Lincoln contains 47.203 square kilometers of land area (18.225 Sq. Miles) and 1.880 square kilometers of water area (0.726 Sq. Miles). Total area is 49.083 square kilometers or 18.951 square miles.

The 2000 population density of Lincoln is 1,148.3 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 15,741 persons residing in Lincoln were 18 years of age or older.

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

Town Hall
100 Old River Road
Lincoln, RI 02865
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
(Fourth Monday of each month from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm)
FAX: 333-3648

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

Web Links

Town of Lincoln Lincoln School Department Lincoln Youth Hockey Association Blackstone Valley Tourism Council