Washington County, Rhode Island is located in the southwestern corner of the state and is bordered by Connecticut to the west and Massachusetts to the east. It has a total area of 541 square miles and a population of 126,979 according to the 2020 census.
According to dictionaryforall.com, the county was originally home to several Native American tribes including the Narragansett, Niantic, and Pequot before being settled by Europeans. The town of Westerly was established in 1669 and served as an important port for trade during colonial times. In 1729, Washington County was formed from parts of Kent and Providence counties.
Today, Washington County is known for its picturesque coastline along with its many historic sites which include Fort Adams State Park, Smith’s Castle, Babcock-Smith House Museum, and Wilcox Park. It also boasts numerous attractions such as Misquamicut Beach, Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Beavertail Lighthouse Museum & Park, Newport Mansions & Gardens, South County Museum & Trails Network and more.
In terms of famous people from Washington County there are several notable figures including New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady who grew up in nearby San Mateo; actor/writer Seth MacFarlane who hails from Kent; singer/songwriter Taylor Swift who grew up in Westerly; U.S Senator Jack Reed from Cranston; former Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun who lived in Westerly; late U.S Senator Claiborne Pell from Newport; actor/director Kenneth Branagh from Westerly; actor/producer Michael Douglas from Coventry; late U.S Senator John Chafee from Newport; late Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond who lived in Charlestown; former Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri who also lived in Charlestown; author/illustrator Edward Gorey who grew up in Barrington; professional golfer Brad Faxon who hails from Barrington as well as many others.
In conclusion, Washington County is a beautiful area with plenty of attractions both natural and man-made for visitors to explore. From its stunning coastline to its numerous historic sites – there’s something here for everyone. With its rich history filled with notable figures, it’s no wonder so many people have called this place home over the years.
Climate and weather in Washington County, Rhode Island
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Washington County, Rhode Island is situated in the New England region of the United States and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summers in Washington County are warm and humid with temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The humidity is usually quite high, making it feel even hotter. Rainfall is common during the summer months, often coming in short but heavy bursts.
The winters in Washington County can be cold and snowy with temperatures typically ranging from 25°F to 40°F (-4°C to 4.4°C). Snowfall happens regularly throughout the winter months, sometimes even into April or May. There is also usually some ice and freezing rain during this time of year as well.
Spring and fall are milder than both summer and winter with temperatures usually in the 50s (10-15 C). Rainfall is common during these times of year as well, but not nearly as much as during the summer months.
Washington County has a temperate climate that can be both hot and cold depending on the season. It tends to be quite humid throughout most of the year which can make it feel even hotter or colder than it actually is. Rainfall happens regularly throughout all four seasons but particularly during the summer months when downpours can occur suddenly and last for several hours at a time. Snowfall also happens regularly throughout the winter months, often lasting until late March or early April before finally melting away for good.
Transportation in Washington County, Rhode Island
Washington County, Rhode Island is served by a variety of transportation options. The main form of transportation in the county is the car. The roads are well maintained and there are plenty of parking spaces available in the towns and cities. There are also several rental car companies with locations throughout the county that can be used to explore further afield.
Public transportation is also available in Washington County. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) operates bus routes throughout the county, with stops at major towns and cities such as Westerly, Narragansett, South Kingstown, and Newport. There is also an Amtrak stop located in Kingston which has regular service to Providence and Boston as well as other destinations along the Northeast Corridor.
For those looking for more eco-friendly forms of transportation, Washington County has several bike paths that can be used to explore the area. These paths offer scenic views of the coastline as well as access to local attractions such as beaches and parks. There are also several bike rental companies located throughout the county that offer daily or weekly rentals for those looking for a longer ride.
Finally, there is also an airport located in Westerly that serves local destinations such as New York City and Boston as well as some international destinations including Toronto and Cancun.
Washington County offers a variety of transportation options ranging from cars to buses to bikes to planes making it easy for visitors and locals alike to get around.
Cities and towns in Washington County, Rhode Island
Washington County, Rhode Island is a great place to explore. The county is home to several cities and towns, each with its own unique charm. See top 3 cities in Rhode Island.
The largest city in the county is Westerly, which is located on the southwestern coast of Rhode Island. This bustling city has much to offer including beaches, parks, restaurants, shopping, and historic sites. There are also several art galleries and museums that showcase the history and culture of Westerly.
Narragansett is another popular destination in Washington County. This town is known for its beautiful coastline and beaches as well as its lively summertime atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and more. There are also plenty of restaurants offering up delicious seafood dishes as well as other local favorites.
South Kingstown is another great spot in Washington County. This town has a rich history dating back to the colonial era and features a variety of historic sites such as Fort Adams State Park and Smith Castle. There are also plenty of beaches that visitors can explore along with some great shopping opportunities at local stores.
Finally, there’s Newport which sits on Aquidneck Island in Washington County. This vibrant city offers up plenty of attractions such as museums like the International Tennis Hall of Fame or outdoor activities like cliff walks at Ocean Drive State Park or sailing trips on Narragansett Bay. Shopping enthusiasts will also enjoy strolling through downtown Newport’s many boutiques and galleries while foodies will love sampling the area’s delicious seafood dishes.
Washington County has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a laid back beach vacation or an exciting urban adventure this county has it all.