Your Guide to Buying a Home in Barrington, RI

Buying a Home in Barrington, Rhode Island

Barrington is located in Bristol County

Nine miles southeast of Providence. Bounded by East Providence on the north and west; by the state of Massachusetts on the northeast; by the Warren River on the east; by Narragansett Bay on the west and south. No point is more than two miles from salt water.

Barrington was originally known as Sowams, the residence of Massassoit, Chief of the Wampanoag Indians. In 1653, the Pilgrim Fathers, including Captain Miles Standish, Governor W. Bradford, and others bought the area between Narragansett Bay and the Taunton River from Massassoit. In 1637, this area was incorporated under the name of Swansea as part of the Plymouth Colony. In 1717, Barrington was set off as a separate town, as part of the State of Massachusetts. In 1746, by Royal Decree, it was made part of Rhode Island, together with Bristol, Tiverton, Little Compton, and Cumberland. In 1747, the name was changed to Warren in honor of Sir Peter Warren of the British Navy. Barrington was taken from Warren and incorporated June 16, 1770.

In the early days, Barrington was a farming community, and in the 19th Century was popular as a summer resort area. Although Barrington has several manufacturing establishments, it is best known as a place of beautiful homes and country estates. At Nayatt Point, in the southwestern part of the town, is a beautiful summer colony on the shores of Narragansett Bay. Here also is located the Rhode Island Country Club, whose golf course is rated among the best in the east.

The Barrington River offers safe anchorage for a large number of motor and sailing craft, providing convenient access to the broad reaches of Narragansett Bay.