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Smithfield, RI

Frequently asked questions

Smithfield, RI

Smithfield is a town that is located in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It includes the historic villages of Esmond, Georgiaville, Mountaindale, Hanton City, Stillwater, and Greenville. The population was 22,118 at the 2020 census. Smithfield is the home of Bryant University, a private four-year college.

The area comprising modern-day Smithfield was first settled in 1663 as a farming community by several British colonists, including John Steere. The area was originally within the boundaries of Providence until 1731 when Smithfield was incorporated as a separate town. The town was named after John Smith, the first settler of Providence, according to the town's official website.

Chief Justice Peleg Arnold lived in early Smithfield, and his 1690 home still stands today. There was an active Quaker community in early 18th century Smithfield that extended along the Great Road, from what is today Woonsocket, north into south Uxbridge, Massachusetts. This Quaker community, and its members, became influential in the abolition movement, with members such as Effingham Capron and Abby Kelley Foster, and also gave rise to other Quaker settlements including one at Adams, Massachusetts, where Susan B. Anthony was born as an early member. Elizabeth Buffum Chace is a well-known person from Smithfield who was influential in both the abolition of slavery and the women's rights movement.

During the Industrial Revolution, Smithfield transformed from an agrarian community to a manufacturing center, with several textile mills being founded along the Woonasquatucket River by the mid-1800s. In 1871, the towns of North Smithfield, Lincoln, and Central Falls became separate municipalities. The colonial ghost town of Hanton City is located within the boundaries of present-day Smithfield but was a completely separate community in the eighteenth century.

As of the 2020 United States Census, Smithfield has 22,118 residents with a median age of 43.7 years and 15.4% of the population under the age of 18. The racial makeup as of 2020 was 84.7% White, 1.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 7.5% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 4.3% of two or more races. Hispanic and Latino of any race made up 3.7% of the population. The median household income is $85,337 and 3.4% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Health and wellness are paramount in Smithfield, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Heritage Hills Rehab & Healthcare is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, trails, and recreational facilities managed by the Smithfield 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 Smithfield Fitness and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in Smithfield, such as the World War II Memorial Loop and Stillwater Scenic Walkway. These trails provide opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Smithfield, RI are Wolf Hill Forest Preserve, Steere Orchard, and Georgiaville Pond.

Population (2020): 22,118. ZIP Codes: 02917. Area code: 401. Elevation: 367 ft (112 m). Area: 27.8 sq mi (71.9 km²).

FAQs

What is Smithfield, RI known for?

Smithfield is a small town in Northern Rhode Island that was founded in the 1600s as a farming town. Smithfield was named after John Smith, "The Miller", who was granted land by the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams. Before his arrival, Smithfield was known as Wionkhiege by the Wampanoag Tribe who utilized the land for its vast hunting and fishing land. The town is also known for its historic mill history. It is made up of six historic villages including Georgiaville, Mountaindale, Esmond, Greenville, Hanton City, and Stillwater.

Is Smithfield, RI a nice place to live?

Smithfield is a suburb of Providence with a population of 22,086. Smithfield is in Providence County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Smithfield offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. 

What is the lost city in Smithfield, RI?

Hanton City (known locally as Lost City) is a colonial-era ghost town in Smithfield, Rhode Island near Hanton City Trail. The remains of Hanton City consist of several stone foundations, a burial site, a defunct dam used for irrigation, and a dilapidated scattering of stone walls, typifying it as a standard small New England farming community. The entire site is completely overgrown, making it nearly impossible to locate when any vegetation is present.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Smithfield

Heritage Hills Rehab & Healthcare 

Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department

Smithfield Fitness 

Planet Fitness

World War II Memorial Loop 

Stillwater Scenic Walkway

Wolf Hill Forest Preserve

Steere Orchard

Georgiaville Pond

Wikivoyage

Niche

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