Warren has grown from a settlement of 18 houses in 1653 to a community with a population of 11,400 within its 6.2 square miles. Although a small town, residents support 11 churches, many family-owned businesses and more than 30 restaurants.

Incorporated into Rhode Island from Swansea, Massachusetts in 1747, Warren was named for Sir Peter Warren who commanded the British fleet that cooperated with troops from New England in capturing the fortress at Louisberg. The town was pillaged and burned by Hessian troops during the Revolutionary War.

After the Revolution, ship building, maritime trades and whaling flourished in Warren. In the mid-1800s many mills were built in Warren. The ethnic diversity found in Warren today stems from those who came to work in the mills including French Canadians, Italians, Poles, Irish and Portuguese. The College of Rhode Island (now Brown University) was founded in Warren in 1746 and held its first commencement there before relocating to Providence.

Antiquing is now a major draw for tourists and residents alike, in small shops along Water Street, Main and Child streets, and along side streets in the downtown area.

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