 |
  |
|
|
|
||||||||
Centrally located on the island of Aquidneck, Middletown is wedged in between the citified Newport and more suburban Portsmouth at the northern end of the island. Middletown was until the last thirty years an agricultural community. Today, these farms have been transformed into housing developments or nurseries and turf farms, thus serving the increasing housing needs. Middletown is the prime suburb of Newport. Route 138 is the primary access to Middletown.
Middletown is located on historic Aquidneck Island, between the communities of Newport and Portsmouth, hence the name Middletown. Bounded by three bodies of water, Narragansett Bay on the west, the Sakonnet River on the east, and Rhode Island Sound on the south, Middletown is an ocean community with all the amenities of seaside living.
Middletown's excellent highways and bridges place the community in a favorable location, and is easily accessible from nearby Massachusetts and local Rhode Island municipalities. Historic Newport is adjacent to Middletown, providing many recreational activities. Middletown is an attractive location for both industry and residence.
Middletown is semi-agricultural with a diverse landscape, delicate sand dunes broken up by a partially rocky coastline, and snow white beaches giving this community a seaside flair. Endless stone walls line the landscape contributing to the atmosphere of the town which is typically New England. Being practically surrounded by water the influence of the sea on the town is inescapable. There are marvelous fishing, boating, surfing and swimming facilities. The moderating effects of the ocean provides Middletown with mild winters while the cooling sea breezes limit the number of extremely hot summer days to perhaps a few a year.
Middletown has excellent land available for industrial development, some of which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The community's diverse labor force and convenient transportation facilities makes it an excellent location for business development.
One of the most desirable aspects of Middletown, whether it be for business interest or residence, is its livability in the form of recreational and cultural activities.
GREEN END FORT. (1777) North side of Vernon Avenue exit. Built by British in 1777 as the eastern terminus of their Newport defense lines.
NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY, MUSEUM & BARN OWL SHOP. 583 Third Beach Road. Seven miles of walking trails. Several wildlife habitats represented on 450-acre refuge. Also an educational facility with a trailside museum. OPEN: Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily, 9-5 p.m. Closed Mon remainder of year. Spring & Fall free Sunday morning bird walks, 8 a.m. 846-2577.
PRESCOTT FARM. 2009 West Main Road. The Newport Restoration Foundation has assembled and restored these Colonial farm buildings, featuring operating windmill (c. 1812), British General Prescott's Guard House, and a country store. OPEN: Apr-Nov, Mon-Fri, 10-4 p.m. 847-6230, 849-7300, 849-7301.
PURGATORY CHASM. Purgatory Road. A narrow cleft in the rock ledges on the east side of Easton Point, formed by the eroding action of the sea over eons. Scenic overlook. OPEN: Dawn to dusk. 847-7565.
ST. GEORGE'S SCHOOL CHAPEL. 372 Purgatory Road. In the English Gothic-style. OPEN: During school term, Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. Phone in advance. 847-7565.
UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. (Present Church, 1975) (H, H-4) Valley Road and Green End Avenue. Church of the Patriots. Congregation gathered 1695. Tue- Fri; 8:30-3 p.m. 849-5444.
VINLAND WINE CELLARS. 909 East Main Road, Eastgate Center. Operating modern winery. Wine tastings and tours. Retail shop. OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10-5 p.m.; Sun, 12 noon-5 p.m. 848-5161, 800-345-1559.
WHITEHALL MUSEUM HOUSE. (1729) 311 Berkeley Avenue. Built by Dean George Berkeley, philosopher, educator, and Anglican Bishop. Authentically furnished. Maintained by the National Society of the Colonial Dames in Rhode Island. OPEN: Jul & Aug, daily, 10-5 p.m., and by appt. the rest of the year. 847-7951, 846-3116 .
Population: The population count for the Town of Middletown as of April 1, 2000, was 17,334. This represented a -10.9% change (-2,126) from the 1990 population of 19,460.
Population Density: Middletown contains 33.615 square kilometers of land area (12.979 Sq. Miles) and 5.095 square kilometers of water area (1.967 Sq. Miles). Total area is 38.710 square kilometers or 14.946 square miles.
The 2000 population density of Middletown is 1,333.4 persons per square mile of land area.
Age Distribution: In 2000, 13,006 persons residing in Middletown were 18 years of age or older.
| Population: | 1990 | 2000 | Change |
| Total | 19,460 | 17,334 | -2,126 |
More Census 2000 data on Middletown and the State of Rhode Island is available at the Statewide Planning Program Website.
Town Hall
350 Main Road
Middletown, RI 02842
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FAX: 849-9245
| Location: | Newport County |
| Form of Government: | Town Administrator and seven member Town Council. |
| Council Meetings: | The first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. |
| Fiscal year begins: | July 1 |
**Information above provided by the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development Corporation
