Barrington is best known today as a place of beautiful homes, country estates, tree-lined streets and boat-filled harbor. It has a high median income and high education level. Originally, Barrington was known as Sowams, the residence of Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag Indians.
In 1653, the Pilgrim Fathers, including Capt. Miles Standish, Gov. William Bradford and others bought the land between Narragansett Bay and the Taunton River from Massasoit. In 1637, this area was incorporated under the name of Swansea, as part of the Commonwealth 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 as a separate town on June 16, 1770. In the early days, Barrington was a farming community and in the 19th century became popular as a summer resort. Photos and artifacts of these earlier ways of living may be seen in the Barrington Preservation Museum. Historic cemeteries with stones dating from the 1600s are located in the Allin and Tyler Point Cemeteries. Nature lovers, birders and hikers may enjoy the Osamequin Bird Sanctuary on the banks of 100 Acre Cove. |
Barrington At a GlancePopulation: 16,310
No. Households: 6,386 Median Age: 40 Median Household Income: $94,591 Avg. House Price: $442,500 Tax Rate Per Thousand: $17.95 Water Area: 7.0 sq. miles Land Area: 8.9 sq. miles Barrington Quick ContactsPolice: 437-3935 (business line)
Fire: 437-3940 (non-emergency) Animal Control: 437-3935 Town Hall: 247-1900 Public Works: 247-1907 Planning/Zoning: 247-1900 x347 Library: 247-1920 BCWA: 245-2022 Post Office: 245-3859 Barrington Public Schools: 245-5000 Business Documents & Forms |
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