History of Barrington, Rhode Island, USA

Barrington was part of Swansea, Massachusetts from its incorporation in 1667 (part of the Plymouth Colony until the merger with Massachusetts in 1691).

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The Baptist residents petitioned for separation from Swansea in 1711, and Barrington was incorporated as an independent town in 1717. It was named after Barrington, Somerset, where many of the English settlers came from.

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In 1747, Barrington was ceded to Rhode Island but made a part of Warren, Rhode Island.

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In 1770, Barrington's independence was restored by the Rhode Island legislature.

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1801 - Lived in 3 Centuries
Barrington, (Rhode Island) February 24.

There is now living in this town, Matthew Watson, esq. in the 105th year of his age, in pretty good health, and in the enjoyment of his faculties, except being blind. He was born in the county of Coleraine, in the province of Ulster, in the north of Ireland, in March A. D. 1696, from whence he, with his father and mother, four brothers and one sister, migrated, and arrived at Boston A. D. 1712, from whence he removed to and settled in Leicester, in the County of Worcester, (Massachusetts) where he has one brother, deacon Oliver Watson, now living. Mr. Watson came to this town A. D. 1722, where by his industry he acquired a pretty handsome fortune. He hath sustained the office of a justice of the peace in the town, and was formerly a judge of the court of common pleas for the county of Bristol. He hath been a member of the Congregational Church in this town between 70 and 80 years, without censure. He hath 10 children now living, the youngest... Read MORE...

1819 - Barrington
Barrington, a small agricultural post township, is situated in the northern section of the county, 7 miles from Providence; bounded on the northwest and northeast by the State of Massachusetts, on the southeast by Warren, and on the southwest by the Narragansett river. The average length of the township may be about 3 miles, with a mean breadth of nearly the same, comprising an area of about 8 square miles. The surface is generally level, and the soil a light, but fertile sandy loam; well adapted to a grain culture; rye, Indian corn and barley being cultivated with success. Sea weed is used extensively as a manure, and has been of great utility in enriching the land. The agricultural interests are considerably flourishing, and the various objects of husbandry constitute the principal occupation of the inhabitants.

The town is well watered by an inlet of the Warren, & by Palmer's river, an its southwestern borders are washed by the waters of the Narragansett. There is a convenient... Read MORE...

1839 - Barrington
Barrington, Rhode Island
Bristol county. This small town, of about 8 square miles, originally belonged to Massachusetts. It was attached to Rhode Island in 1746, and incorporated in 1771. It is bounded southerly by Narraganset bay, and is well watered by Palmer's river, and by an inlet of Warren river, over which is a bridge. The soil of the town is of a fertile, sandy loam, and quite productive. Large quantities of sea-weed are collected on its shores. A large tract of Barrington, called "the cove," now covered with water to a considerable depth, is supposed to have once been a forest, as timber and fuel are obtained from its bottom. Some salt is made in this town, and shell and other fish are abundant. Barrington lies 8 miles E.S.E. from Providence and about 7 miles N. by W. from Bristol. Population, 1830, 612.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Barrington
Barrington, a post-township of Bristol county, Rhode Island, about 8 miles S. E. of Providence, intersected by Palmer's river. Population, 795.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
BARRINGTON, a township in Bristol, co., Rhode Island, U.S., 8 mi ESE of Providence. Pop. 549.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Barrington
Barrington, a post-village and township of Bristol co., R.I., 8 miles S.E. of Providence, is bounded on the S. and W. by Narragansett Bay. It has 3 churches and a brick yard. Pop. of village, 106; of township, 1185.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Barrington, a post-village and township (town) of Bristol co., R.I., 8 miles SE. of Providence, is bounded on the S. and W. by Narragansett Bay. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1135.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Whether you're a resident or just visiting, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Barrington:
Barrington Beach: Start your visit with some sun and surf at Barrington Beach. This picturesque stretch of shoreline along Narragansett Bay is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.

Haines Memorial State Park: Located along the waterfront, this park offers picnic areas, walking trails, and beautiful views of the bay. It's an excellent spot for a family picnic or a peaceful afternoon in nature.

Barrington Town Beach: Another great spot for beach lovers, Barrington Town Beach features a playground, a snack bar, and a well-maintained beach area. It's ideal for families and those looking for a relaxing day by the water.

Barrington Bike Path: If you enjoy biking or walking, the East Bay Bike Path runs through Barrington. It's a scenic route that stretches along the waterfront and provides access to beautiful views and nearby towns like Warren and Bristol.

Barrington River Walk: Explore the picturesque Barrington River by... Read MORE...