Your Guide to Buying a Home in Cranston, RI

Buying a Home in Cranston, Rhode Island

Cranston is located in Providence County

Population: 76,060 Community Profile:

Cranston, originally a part of Providence, was settled in 1638, by friends of Roger Williams known as the Pawtuxet Purchasers, among them William Arnold, the father of Benedict Arnold of Newport. In 1754, it separated from Providence and became a town. The City government was organized in 1910.

Similar to the adjoining City of Warwick, the early growth of Cranston was due to the development of the textile and other industries along the Pawtuxet River, which provided water power.

Western Cranston has become more desirable in recent years for both residential and industrial development. This is primarily due to the completion of Route 295 and the installation of sanitary sewers in the area. A small village wedged between the cities of Cranston and Warwick, the Pawtuxet Village section of Cranston is one of the oldest communities in Rhode Island. Pawtuxet Cove was an ideal harbor, and the falls in the Pawtuxet River provided water power.

The first village of Pawtuxet was a major casualty of King Philip's War, being completely destroyed by fire in an Indian attack on January 12, 1676. It was quickly rebuilt, and by the time of the Revolution, Pawtuxet was a busy seaport.

In the 19TH Century the falls provided water power for a burgeoning textile industry, and in the early 20TH Century, Pawtuxet became known as a fine summer resort. Despite the industrial development of surrounding areas, the center of Pawtuxet Village remains an identifiable community of Colonial and Victorian homes.

Today the City of Cranston is one of the major commercial and industrial areas of Rhode Island. The manufacture of jewelry, food, combined metals and machinery are the largest employers in the city.

See other communities near Cranston