Your Guide to Buying a Home in Charlestown, RI

Buying a Home in Charlestown, Rhode Island

(Tourists in Charlestown can outnumber the locals 4-to-1 during the summer months)

Charlestown is located in Washington County

Long before any European settlers arrived at the site of present-day Charlestown, Native Americans lived off of hunting, fishing, and agriculture. Even today, the legacy of the Narragansetts continues to live on in their institutions and historic sites, which remain in tribal use. As white settlers arrived in the 1600's, some farms and plantations were developed. Shortly thereafter, the Town of Westerly was separated and incorporated as the Town of Charlestown-named after Charles II. The Pawcatuck River was a great resource for textile mills. In addition, as small villages began to spring up, Grist mills, saw mills and single mills were also built on the river. Today, Charlestown retains its rich heritage not only through the early Native American sites that are still in use, but also in its wonderful protection of the abundant natural resources surrounding it. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuge was founded in 1974 along with Ninigret Park. There are plenty of opportunities for sighting wild game, such as birds and deer, and with seven miles of beaches the outdoor fun is limitless.

The three-mile-long East Beach, adjacent to Ninigret Pond, is a barrier beach with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Within close proximity to East Beach are Kimball Wildlife Refuge and Ninigret Park, all of which help to consolidate leisure time with the beautiful activities of nature. Other area attractions include the Royal Indian Burial Ground, Blue Shutters Town Beach, and the Frosty Drew Observatory. A few local events of interest are the Big Apple Circus, winner of the prestigious Obie Award, and the Seafood Festival, one of the top ten festivals on the east coast.

Charlestown is located in southern Rhode Island, just off of US 1. The town is less than 2 miles from Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.