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Cumberland, RI

Frequently asked questions

Cumberland, RI

Cumberland is the northeasternmost town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, first settled in 1635 and incorporated in 1746. The population was 36,405 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-largest municipality and the largest town in the state.

Cumberland was originally settled as part of Wrentham, Massachusetts, which was purchased from the local Indigenous Americans by the Plymouth Colony. It was later transferred to Rhode Island as part of a long-running boundary dispute. The town was named in honor of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland.

The popular tourist destination "Nine Men's Misery" is a tomb found on the grounds of a former Trappist monastery (Abbey of Our Lady of the Valley), part of which was destroyed in a fire in 1950. The Trappists sold the monastery and grounds to the town and part of the building was converted into the Edward J. Hayden Library, aka Cumberland Public Library in 1976. This combined three smaller libraries into one.

Cumberland was the site of ironworks that made cannons and cannonballs for the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Additionally, Cumberland (along with the neighboring towns of Central Falls, RI, Lincoln, RI, and Attleboro, Massachusetts) was the home of the Valley Falls Company, which is the original antecedent of Berkshire Hathaway, now one of the world's largest and most successful companies.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 28.3 square miles (73.2 km²), of which 26.4 square miles (68.5 km²) is land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), or 6.40%, is water.

Cumberland is the easternmost town along the state's northern border with Massachusetts, making it the state's de facto northeasternmost town. Cumberland borders the Rhode Island cities of Woonsocket to the northwest Central Falls, to the south, and the town of Lincoln to the west as well as the Massachusetts towns of Wrentham to the north, Plainville and North Attleborough to the east, and the city of Attleboro to the southeast.

Health and wellness are paramount in Cumberland, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Mount St. Rita Health Centre is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Cumberland Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include The Pilates Point Studio and Diamond Hill CF LLC. Discover the walking and biking trails in Cumberland, such as the Blackstone River Bikeway and Diamond Hill State Park trails. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Cumberland, RI are Diamond Hill Vineyards, Diamond Hill Park, and Eleazer Arnold House.

Population: 36,450 (2023). ZIP code: 02864. Area code: 401. Elevation: 276 ft (84 m). Area: 28.3 sq mi (73.2 km²).

FAQs:

What is Cumberland, RI famous for?

Neighbors and friends of Cumberland, Rhode Island share the local legends, history, and memoirs of the local community. Stories include Cadillac Mills, the Arnold Mills Parade, Blackstone River, Phantom Farms, Franklin Farm, Geddes Family Farm, Diamond Hill boxing legends, Equi Evolution, the Valley Breeze, Lt. Robert Waugh, Ski Valley, the Cumberland Land Trust, and the Cumberland Public Library.

Is Cumberland, RI a good place to live?

Cumberland is a suburb of Providence with a population of 36,276. Cumberland is in Providence County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Cumberland offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cumberland, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks.

Is Cumberland, RI a town or city?

Cumberland is the northeasternmost town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, first settled in 1635 and incorporated in 1746. The population was 36,405 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-largest municipality and the largest town in the state. Cumberland was originally settled as part of Wrentham, Massachusetts, which was purchased from the local Indigenous Americans by the Plymouth Colony.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Town of Cumberland

Mount St. Rita Health Centre 

Cumberland Parks and Recreation Department

The Pilates Point Studio 

Diamond Hill CF LLC

Blackstone River Bikeway 

Diamond Hill State Park

Diamond Hill Vineyards

Diamond Hill Park

Eleazer Arnold House

PBS

Niche

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