East Greenwich, Rhode Island

East Greenwich is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 12,948 at the 2000 census. It is the wealthiest municipality in Rhode Island and is one of only three jurisdictions in Rhode Island to cast a majority of its votes for George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election, being one of the few Republican towns in the state of Rhode Island. East Greenwich was named for Greenwich, England. Until 1854, East Greenwich was one of the five state capitals for Rhode Island. The General Assembly, when meeting in East Greenwich, used the local courthouse, which is today the town hall.

Birthplace of the American Navy

On 12 June 1775, the Rhode Island General Assembly, meeting at East Greenwich, passed a resolution, which created the first formal, governmentally authorized navy in the Western Hemisphere: “It is voted and resolved, that the committee of safety be, and they are hereby, directed to charter two suitable vessels, for the use of the colony, and fit out the same in the best manner, to protect the trade of this colony... “That the largest of the said vessels be manned with eighty men, exclusive of officers; and be equipped with ten guns, four-pounders; fourteen swivel guns, a sufficient number of small arms, and all necessary warlike stores. “That the small vessel be manned with a number not exceeding thirty men. “That the whole be included in the number of fifteen hundred men, ordered to be raised in this colony... “That they receive the same bounty and pay as the land forces...” Wasting no time, on 12 June 1775, the same day as the above resolution, Governor Nicholas Cooke signed orders addressed to “Captain Abraham Whipple, commander of the Sloop Katy, and commodore of the armed vessels employed by the government…” A number of other towns also claim to be the birthplace of the American Navy, but none are as early, and none involve specific government authorization.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 16.7 square miles (43.3 km²), of which, 16.6 square miles (42.9 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.4 km²) of it (0.84%) is water.

Schools

There are six public schools in East Greenwich. The schools are:

• Meadowbrook Farms Elementary (K-3)
• Frenchtown Elementary (K-3)
• George R. Hanaford School (4-6)
• James H. Eldredge School (4-6)
• Archie R. Cole Middle School (7-8)
• East Greenwich High School (9-12)

Waterfront

The East Greenwich waterfront is a very popular spot to dine in Rhode Island. Many restaurants, bars, and clubs sit on the waterfront including 20 Water St., Table 28, The Warehouse, and Harbourside Lobstermania. East Greenwich Cove also has ample boat parking, so you can ride over and eat. There is also a public dock good for fishing and eating, and a dock with a small beach. Across from the coast is Goddard Memorial State Park, which has many beaches including Sandy Point which is has easy access from East Greenwich Cove / Nortons Marina.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 12,948 people, 4,960 households, and 3,541 families residing in the town. The population density was 781.0 people per square mile (301.5/km²). There were 5,226 housing units at an average density of 315.2/sq mi (121.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.64% White, 0.69% African American, 0.06% Native American, 2.50% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.90% of the population. There were 4,960 households out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.12. In the town the population was spread out with 27.5% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males. The median income for a household in the town was $70,063, and the median income for a family was $90,221. Males had a median income of $71,578 versus $40,934 for females. The per capita income for the town was $38,593. About 2.5% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

External links

• Varnum Continentals - Historic Museum & Armory
• North East Independent Newspaper
• The Pendulum Newspaper

	•  • e State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence (capital)
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Coordinates: 41°39′37″N, 71°27′21″W