Westerly, Rhode Island

Westerly
Westerly, Rhode Island
The Westerly Town Hall and Court House (2021)
Flag of Westerly
Official logo of Westerly
Map
Interactive map of Westerly
Westerly is located in Rhode Island
Westerly
Westerly
Location of Westerly in Rhode Island
Westerly is located in the United States
Westerly
Westerly
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 41°22′39″N 71°49′38″W / 41.37750°N 71.82722°W / 41.37750; -71.82722
Country United States
State Rhode Island
CountyWashington County
First settled1661
Incorporated1669
Villages
List
Government
 • TypeMayor–council government[1]
 • PresidentChristopher A. Duhamel
 • Vice-PresidentMary E. Scialabba
 • Town ManagerShawn M. Lacey
 • Town ClerkMary L. LeBlanc
 • Town SolicitorWilliam J. Conley
Area
 • Total
74.8 sq mi (194 km2)
 • Land30.1 sq mi (78 km2)
 • Water44.7 sq mi (116 km2)
Elevation
36 ft (11 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
23,359
 • Density777/sq mi (300/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
02891
02808 (Bradford)
Area code401
FIPS code44-77000[2]
GNIS feature ID1220091[3]
Websitewesterlyri.gov

Westerly is a town on the southwestern coastline of Washington County, Rhode Island, United States, first settled by English colonists in 1661, and incorporated as a municipality in 1669. Westerly is a beachfront community on the south shore of the state with a population of 23,359 as of the 2020 census.

The Pawcatuck River flows on the western border of Westerly, and was once renowned for its own species of Westerly salmon, three of which are displayed on the town's official seal. The Pawcatuck River flows from 15 mi (24 km) inland, emptying into Little Narragansett Bay. It also serves as the boundary between Westerly and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Three large salt ponds lie along the coast of Westerly which serve as shallow, reef-like pools whose outer walls form the long, white beaches for which the town is renowned, such as the Misquamicut State Beach. From west to east, these ponds are Maschaug Pond, Winnapaug Pond, and Quonochontaug Pond.

Westerly becomes a notable tourist destination during the summer months when the population nearly doubles.[4] Its well-known beaches include Weekapaug Beach, Westerly Town Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, East Beach, and Watch Hill Beach. The Town of Westerly was known historically for local important granite mining and stone-cutting industry, which ran until the quarries stopped operating in the 1950s.[5]

  1. ^ "Town Council | Westerly, RI". westerlyri.gov. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  3. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "Home - Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, RI". www.westerlychamber.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  5. ^ "Granite: Westerly's Flagship Industry". see Westerly RI. April 1, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

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