Burrillville, Rhode Island
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| Burrillville, Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| Name | Burrillville |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Rhode Island |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Providence County |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1806 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Town Council President |
| Leader name | Donald A. Fox |
| Area total km2 | 148.0 |
| Area land km2 | 139.8 |
| Area water km2 | 8.2 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 16158 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 41, 58, N, 71... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 02826, 02830, 02859, 02864 |
| Area code | 401 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 44-11800 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1220082 |
| Website | www.burrillville.org |
Burrillville, Rhode Island is a town in Providence County within the New England region of the United States. Incorporated in 1806 from lands originally part of Glocester, it is named for James Burrill Jr., a former Attorney General and Senator from Rhode Island. The town is characterized by its rural landscape, numerous freshwater reservoirs, and a history rooted in textile mill manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Nipmuc people and later settled by colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and other parts of Rhode Island. Early development was spurred by water power from the Branch River and the Clear River, leading to the establishment of mill villages like Harrisville, Mapleville, and Oakland. The Knightville and Stillwater dams were constructed in the early 20th century to create reservoirs for the city of Providence. Historic sites include the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library and the Captain Wilbur Kelly House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 148.0 square kilometers, of which 139.8 square kilometers is land and 8.2 square kilometers is water. Burrillville borders Glocester to the south, North Smithfield to the east, and the state of Massachusetts to the north and west. The geography is defined by the western woodlands of the state, featuring significant water bodies including the Pascoag Reservoir, Spring Lake, and the Wallum Lake plateau, which is part of the Douglas State Forest.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 16,158. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino, African American, Asian, and individuals identifying as two or more races. The median household income historically compares closely to the average for Providence County, and a significant portion of the population claims French Canadian or Italian ancestry, reflecting broader immigration patterns to New England.
Government
Burrillville operates under a council–manager form of government. The elected Burrillville Town Council sets policy and appoints a professional Town manager to oversee daily operations. The town is part of Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Seth Magaziner. At the state level, Burrillville is within the Senate districts represented by Jessica de la Cruz and the House district represented by David Place.
Economy
Historically dominated by textile mills like those owned by the Stillwater Worsted Company, the town's economy has diversified. Key employers now include the Burrillville Department of Public Works, the Burrillville School Department, and various small businesses. The Ocean State Job Lot distribution center is a major private employer. The town also benefits from tourism related to its natural resources, including activities at the Buck Hill Management Area and the George Washington Management Area.
Education
Public education is managed by the Burrillville School Department, which operates Burrillville High School, Burrillville Middle School, and several elementary schools including Austin T. Levy School. The town is also served by the region's career and technical center, the W. A. V. E. (Work Achievement Values Education) Program. For post-secondary education, residents have access to nearby institutions like the Community College of Rhode Island and Bryant University.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Burrillville include Nelson W. Aldrich, a powerful Senator and grandfather to Nelson Rockefeller; Clara A. Foltz, the first female lawyer on the West Coast; and Molly O'Neil, former food columnist for The New York Times. Contemporary figures include Rocco Baldelli, manager of the Minnesota Twins, and musician John Cafferty of John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band.
Category:Towns in Rhode Island Category:Towns in Providence County, Rhode Island Category:1806 establishments in Rhode Island