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Coordinates: 41°22′39″N 71°49′38″W / 41.37750°N 71.82722°W / 41.37750; -71.82722
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{{Short description|Town in Rhode Island}}
{{rimap|Westerly}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
'''Westerly''', founded in [[1669]] by [[John Babcock]], is a beachfront community on the south shore of [[Washington County, Rhode Island]]. As of the [[2000]] census, the town had a total population of 22,966.


{{Infobox settlement
<small>''For geographic and demographic information on particular parts of the town of Westerly, see the articles on [[Bradford, Rhode Island|Bradford]] and [[Westerly (CDP), Rhode Island|Westerly (CDP)]].''</small>
| name = Westerly
| official_name = Westerly, Rhode Island
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| total_width = 300
| caption_align = center
| perrow = 1/2/2/1
| border = infobox
| image1 = Town Hall and Court House, Westerly.jpg
| caption1 = The Westerly Town Hall and Court House (2021)
| image2 = The Westerly Armory, Westerly, Rhode Island.jpg
| caption2 = [[Westerly Armory|The Westerly Armory]] (2005)
| image3 = Westerly High School, Westerly RI.jpg
| caption3 = [[Westerly High School]] (2017)
}}
| image_flag = Flag of Westerly, R.I.svg
| image_blank_emblem = Seal of Westerly, R.I.svg
| blank_emblem_type = Seal
| image_map = {{maplink
| frame = yes
| plain = yes
| frame-align = center
| frame-width = 290
| frame-height = 290
| frame-coord = {{coord|41.37|N|71.8|W}}
| zoom = 10
| type = shape
| marker = town
| stroke-width = 2
| stroke-color = #0096FF
| fill = #0096FF
| id2 = Q5092
| type2 = shape-inverse
| stroke-width2 = 2
| stroke-color2 = #5F5F5F
| stroke-opacity2 = 0
| fill2 = #000000
| fill-opacity2 = 0
}}
| map_caption = Interactive map of Westerly
| pushpin_map = Rhode Island#USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Westerly in [[Rhode Island]]##Location in the [[United States]]
| pushpin_relief = 1
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|22|39|N|71|49|38|W|type:city(23,000)_region:US-RI|display=it}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{Flag|United States}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = {{Flag|Rhode Island}}
| subdivision_type2 = County
| subdivision_name2 = [[Washington County, Rhode Island|Washington County]]
| established_title = First settled
| established_date = 1661
| established_title1 = Incorporated
| established_date1 = 1669
| parts_type = Villages
| parts = {{Collapsible list
| 1= [[Watch Hill, Rhode Island|Watch Hill]]
| 2= [[Bradford, Rhode Island|Bradford]]
| 3= [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]]
| 4= White Rock<br>Shelter Harbor
| 5= [[Weekapaug, Rhode Island|Weekapaug]]
| 6= Dunn’s Corners
| 7= Mastuxet
| 8= Avondale
| 9= [[Westerly Downtown Historic District|Downtown Westerly]]
| 10= Winnapaug
}}
| government_type = [[Mayor–council government]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Town Council {{!}} Westerly, RI |url=https://westerlyri.gov/148/Town-Council |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=westerlyri.gov}}</ref>
| leader_title = President
| leader_name = Christopher A. Duhamel
| leader_title1 = Vice-President
| leader_name1 = Mary E. Scialabba
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_total_sq_mi = 74.8
| area_land_sq_mi = 30.1
| area_water_sq_mi = 44.7
| elevation_ft = 36
| population_total = 23,359
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_density_sq_mi = 777
| timezone = EST
| utc_offset = &minus;5
| timezone_DST = EDT
| utc_offset_DST = &minus;4
| postal_code_type = ZIP Codes
| postal_code = 02891<br>02808 ([[Bradford, Rhode Island|Bradford]])
| area_code = 401
| blank_name = FIPS code
| blank_info = 44-77000<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|westerlyri.gov}}
| leader_title3 = Town Clerk
| leader_name3 = Mary L. LeBlanc
| blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
| blank1_info = 1220091<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
| leader_title4 = Town Solicitor
| leader_name4 = William J. Conley
| leader_name2 = Shawn M. Lacey
| leader_title2 = Town Manager
}}
'''Westerly''' is a [[New England town|town]] on the [[Coast|southwestern coastline]] of [[Washington County, Rhode Island|Washington County]], [[Rhode Island]], [[United States]], first settled by [[English colonists]] in 1661, and incorporated as a [[List of municipalities in Rhode Island|municipality]] in 1669. Westerly is a beachfront community on the south shore of the state with a population of 23,359 as of the 2020 census.

The [[Pawcatuck River]] flows on the western border of Westerly, and was once renowned for its own species of [[Salmon|Westerly salmon]], three of which are displayed on the town's official seal. The Pawcatuck River flows from {{convert|15|mi|abbr=on}} inland, emptying into [[Little Narragansett Bay]]. It also serves as the boundary between Westerly and [[Pawcatuck, Connecticut]]. Three large salt ponds lie along the coast of Westerly which serve as shallow, reef-like pools whose outer walls form the long, white beaches for which the town is renowned, such as the [[Misquamicut State Beach]]. From west to east, these ponds are [[Maschaug Pond]], [[Winnapaug Pond]], and [[Quonochontaug Pond]].

Westerly becomes a notable tourist destination during the summer months when the population nearly doubles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westerlychamber.org/pages/communityprofiles|title=Home - Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, RI|website=www.westerlychamber.org|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> Its well-known beaches include [[Weekapaug, Rhode Island|Weekapaug]] Beach, Westerly Town Beach, [[Misquamicut State Beach]], East Beach, and [[Watch Hill, Rhode Island|Watch Hill]] Beach. The Town of Westerly was known historically for local important [[granite]] mining and [[Stonemasonry|stone-cutting]] industry, which ran until the quarries stopped operating in the 1950s.<ref name="seewesterly/flagship">{{cite web |date=1 April 2020 |title=Granite: Westerly's Flagship Industry |url=https://seewesterly.com/granite-westerlys-flagship-industry/ |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=see Westerly RI}}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|History of Rhode Island}}[[File:View of Westerly, R.I. 1877. LOC 73694687.jpg|thumb|200x200px|1877 panoramic map of Westerly with list of sights|left]]

Westerly, R.I. prior to [[English colonist|English colonization]] was known as [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]], home to the [[Narragansett people]] prior to 1637, before the English had build an outpost, and forced the Narragansett people out of the region by 1661, allowing for the permanent settlement on the coast line.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Westerly, Rhode Island {{!}} Advisory Council on Historic Preservation |url=https://www.achp.gov/preserve-america/community/westerly-rhode-island |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=www.achp.gov}}</ref>

The English village was the home of Elder [[John Crandall]] ({{circa|1618}}–1676), one of Westerly's founding fathers. Crandall settled in Westerly in 1661, and the early history of Westerly contains many references to him and his sons. In 1669, Westerly was named for the settlement's location respective to [[Rhode Island]]'s geography, being the westernmost town in the [[Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} On May 18, 1669, the newly founded Town of Westerly in the southwest portion of the colony would host its first official town meeting with four elected officers to manage the town, alongside a town clerk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Town Clerk {{!}} Westerly, RI |url=http://westerlyri.gov/178/Town-Clerk# |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=westerlyri.gov}}</ref>

In 1738, the Town of [[Charlestown, Rhode Island|Charlestown]] was partitioned off from Westerly, and 19 years later [[Hopkinton, Rhode Island|Hopkinton]] was also partitioned off from Westerly, leaving Westerly in its modern borders. [[Bradford, RI|Bradford]], a village built in 1732, following the partition of Hopkinton remained shared between both Hopkinton and Westerly with the [[Bradford Village Historic District (Hopkinton and Westerly, Rhode Island)|Bradford Village Historic District]].

Physician, [[American Revolution]] general, and Rhode Island Supreme Court justice Dr. [[Joshua Babcock]] was born in Westerly. Rhode Island Governor and Chief Justice [[Samuel Ward (Rhode Island politician)|Samuel Ward]] also lived here for many years. During the [[American Revolution]], Westerly did not play any major battles compared to the nearby [[Battle of Rhode Island|Battle of Newport]], which happened in Rhode Island. Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Ward Jr was a resident of Westerly, Rhode Island, commanding the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the only black regiment in the [[Continental Army]], and its important role in the [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War’s]] [[Battle of Rhode Island]]. <ref>{{Cite web |last=seewesterly |date=2018-03-21 |title=Samuel Ward Jr. and the Battle of Rhode Island |url=https://seewesterly.com/samuel-ward-jr-and-the-battle-of-rhode-island/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=WESTERLY RI |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the early 1800s, prior to the [[War of 1812]], Westerly had become a shipbuilding center under [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy Officer]] Oliver Perry, having built [[Gunboat|Gunboats]].<ref name=":0" />

{{anchor|Westerly granite}}
In 1834, the Crumb Quarry, began operations, the first quarry in Westerly, to produce Westerly White and Blue granite.<ref name="ssBh/smith-granite">{{cite web |title=The Smith Granite Company of Westerly: A Short History |url=http://smallstatebighistory.com/the-smith-granite-company-of-westerly-a-short-history/ |website=smallstatebighistory.com |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref>

The Westerly area was known for its historically important (1870-1950s)<ref name="seewesterly/flagship"/> [[granite]] mining<ref name="b-sHm/companies">{{cite web |title=Comprehensive Historical List granite companies between 1870 and present |url=https://babcocksmithhouse.org/all-westerly-granite-companies/ |website=[[Babcock-Smith House]] Museum |access-date=25 November 2024 |quote=This is a list of the granite companies listed in the local newpapers, city directories, company records and elsewhere between 1870 and the present day, showing how extensive the involvement of the community was in the granite industry.}}</ref> and [[Stonemasonry|stone-cutting]] industry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Cities/Charlottesville/104-5091_Four_Monumental_Outdoor_Sulptures_in_Charlottesville_1997_MPS.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places |publisher=virginia.gov |access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>[http://www.chs.org/ransom/overview3.htm Civil War Monuments of Connecticut] Suppliers & Materials</ref> which quarried a unique stone known as Westerly granite.<ref name="b-sHm/granite">{{cite web |title=The Granite Industry |url=https://babcocksmithhouse.org/granite-industry/ |website=[[Babcock–Smith House]] Museum |access-date=25 November 2024 |location=124 Granite Street, Westerly, Rhode Island}}</ref> This pinkish granite is ideal for statuary and has been used in numerous government buildings of several states on the [[East Coast of the United States|eastern seaboard]].<ref>{{cite news
| first = Dan
| last = Pearson
| title = Modern Sculpture Makes Connection To Westerly's Past
| newspaper = The Day
| date = August 30, 2004
| url = http://www.theday.com/article/20040830/DAYARC/308309903
}}</ref> Its quarries produced blue granite, in addition to pinks and reds. The [[Smith Granite Company]] employed many granite cutting craftsmen and was one of the town's major employers until the quarries stopped operating in the 1950s. Hundreds of examples of their work can be seen on the battlefields of Gettysburg and in city squares, municipal buildings, cemeteries throughout the United States, and even the [[Georgia State Capitol]].

The four trolley lines of the [[Groton and Stonington Street Railway]], [[Norwich and Westerly Railway]], Pawtucket Valley Street Railway, and the Ashaway and Westerly Railway converged in Westerly and shared track between the railroad station and Dixon House Square downtown. The lines were built in the 1890s and 1900s and ran until the 1920s.

===Recent history (1900s−present)===
In 1912, the Westerly Town Hall and Courthouse was built, designed by William Walker & Son in the Academic Revival style, replacing the old town hall. Following the new town halls creation, the district of Pleasant View would be renamed to the [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]] in 1928, the original native name of the Westerly region, nearly 260 years after the Town of Westerly was founded.

Westerly in 1938 would be struck by the [[1938 New England hurricane|1938 New England Hurricane]], causing severe damage, with the village of Napatree Point being completely destroyed, with buildings being sent into Little Narragansett Bay, and Sandy Point being disconnected from the rest of Napatree to where it remains today.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Napatree – The Watch Hill Conservancy |url=https://thewatchhillconservancy.org/napatree/history-of-napatree/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> Misquamicut, Galilee, Jerusalem, Green Hill, and Quonochontaug being heavily destroyed, and a [[storm surge]] of 12 to 15ft tall along the coast of [[Rhode Island]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=GALLERY: Hurricane history: Storms no stranger to Rhode Island |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2017/09/20/gallery-hurricane-history-storms-no-stranger-to-rhode-island/18771653007/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=[[The Providence Journal]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Norris |first=Doug |date=2013-09-19 |title=Hurricane of '38: 'So many things disappeared' |url=https://www.independentri.com/independents/south_county/article_bab37c9e-3934-5d98-b791-b686e8f60e4f.html |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=[[South County Newspapers#The Independent|The IndependentRI (South County Newspapers)]] |language=en}}</ref> Many factories, mines, houses, and more structures collapsed during the hurricane, and the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad|New Haven and Hartford Railroad]] was damaged, shutting down transport to Westerly, RI. Following this, Westerly would be struck again 6 years later in 1944, and again in 1954 by major hurricanes.

In 1966, the [[Guild Guitar Company]], founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge in New York City, moved production to Westerly, and continued to make their well-respected [[archtop]], [[acoustic guitar|acoustic]], and [[solid body guitar]]s there. The Westerly Town Charter, which approved the right to maintain and preserve self-government to the Town of Westerly was approved by the [[State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations]] on November 5, 1968, and become effective July 1, 1969.<ref name=":3">https://ecode360.com/12078301#. Retrieved December 19, 2024.</ref>

In 2012, [[Hurricane Sandy]] left beaches along the Westerly shoreline devastated and nearly unrecognizable, including [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]]. Rhode Island Governor [[Lincoln Chafee]] stated that Misquamicut was "our New Jersey," referring to the amount of damage that was received in the [[New Jersey|State of New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.lib.noaa.gov/noaa_documents/NWS/NWS_ER/TM_NWS_ER_86.pdf|title=RHODE ISLAND HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS; A FIFTY-SIX YEAR SUMMARY|last=Vallee |first=David|date=March 1993|publisher=[[National Weather Service]] Office|location=Providence, Rhode Island|access-date=March 22, 2017}}</ref> The damages caused by Hurricane Sandy caused $11.3 million dollars in damages,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-01-07 |title=Storm Events Database - Search Results |website= [[National Climatic Data Center]] |url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=29&beginDate_yyyy=2012&endDate_mm=10&endDate_dd=29&endDate_yyyy=2012&eventType=ALL&county=NONE&zone=NONE&submitbutton=Search&statefips=44,RHODE+ISLAND |access-date=2024-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107013632/http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=29&beginDate_yyyy=2012&endDate_mm=10&endDate_dd=29&endDate_yyyy=2012&eventType=ALL&county=NONE&zone=NONE&submitbutton=Search&statefips=44,RHODE+ISLAND |archive-date=January 7, 2014 }}</ref> with almost 100,000 power outages reported in [[Rhode Island]].

In December of 2019, a [[Shooting (crime)|shooting]] happened at the Babcock Village, in which three women ended up shot. The police identified the shooter, and two surviving victims. The shooting was done by 66-year old Joseph Giachello, who was found dead in his room after taking the life of 47-year old Julie Cardinal, the manager of the complex.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-12-20 |title=Police ID suspected shooter, surviving victims in Babcock Village shooting |url=https://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/westerly/police-id-suspected-shooter-surviving-victims-in-babcock-village-shooting/article_19e11e42-2340-11ea-ba61-bfc9e2ae6b61.html |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=[[Westerly Sun]] |language=en}}</ref> During this shooting, all the schools in Westerly managed by Westerly Public Schools were put into lockdown, although Westerly Public Schools stated: “there is no verifiable threat to any of the buildings.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=|first= |date=2019-12-19 |title=Shooting in Westerly leaves 2 dead, 2 injured |url=https://turnto10.com/news/local/heavy-police-presence-in-westerly |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=[[WJAR]] NBC 10 NEWS |language=en}}</ref>

==== The Covid Pandemic ====
{{See also|COVID-19 pandemic in Rhode Island}}
On March 28, 2020, the [[Governor of Rhode Island]] had issued a lockdown of the entire [[Rhode Island|State of Rhode Island]]. The Town of Westerly in response cancelled any town council meetings with only few exceptions, and urged residents to use online and mail services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Update from Town Of Westerly - Updated Restrictions 3/28/2020 |url=https://westerlyri.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=375&ARC=539 |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Westerly, RI |language=en}}</ref> All schools would initially be ordered to remain closed until April 3, 2020, to set up [[distance learning]] for all the students.

In August of 2021, [[Hurricane Henri|Tropical Storm Henri]] made landfall in Westerly, causing significant damage and power outages. Following Henri’s impacts, in November 2021, three tornadoes were confirmed in Rhode Island, the first being an [[EF 1 tornado|EF-1 tornado]] which went from [[Stonington, Connecticut]] to Westerly.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 November 2021 |title=NWS: Three confirmed tornadoes in Rhode Island |website=[[WPRI-TV]]|url=https://www.wpri.com/weather/pinpoint-weather-alerts/nws-two-confirmed-tornadoes-in-rhode-island/ }}</ref>

In January 4, 2022, the Westerly Public Schools system had reopened with mask policies still in place in place and extended quarantine times for those who got sick, but many still had remained home due to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=writer |first=Dale P. Faulkner Sun staff |date=2022-01-04 |title=Westerly schools remain open, but COVID-19 is keeping many at home |url=https://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/westerly/westerly-schools-remain-open-but-covid-19-is-keeping-many-at-home/article_6f0b5ca6-6d9f-11ec-8878-f3f49c8c08b5.html |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Westerly Sun |language=en}}</ref>

==== Aftermath of the Covid Pandemic ====
Following the covid pandemic, in September of 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced that samples of the [[West Nile virus]] had been collected within Westerly and [[East Providence, Rhode Island|East Providence]], found in five of the 114 samples statewide. During the samples, no samples of [[Eastern equine encephalitis]] had been detected, with only one case in the entire state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NEWS |first=NBC 10 |date=2024-09-13 |title=Rhode Island detects West Nile virus in East Providence, Westerly in latest samples |url=https://turnto10.com/news/local/rhode-island-find-wnv-in-east-providence-and-westerly-in-latest-sample-eee-mosquito-safety-sept-13-2024 |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=WJAR |language=en}}</ref>


Westerly's primary industries today are textiles and tourism, but historically Westerly was also famous for its [[granite]], mined from quarries in Bradford and [[Potter Hill, Rhode Island|Potter Hill]].
==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|74.8|mi2|km2}}, of which, {{convert|30.1|mi2|km2}} is land and {{convert|44.7|mi2|km2}} (59.78%) is water. The Bureau includes Westerly in the RI-MA [[Providence metropolitan area]] (defined at the county level) but in the CT-RI Norwich-New London [[New England city and town area|NECTA]] (defined at the [[Municipality|municipal level]]).
Westerly sits atop a glacial moraine, which is a series of small hills of debris left behind by receding [[glaciers]] in the last ice age. On the western border of Westerly flows the [[Pawcatuck River]], once renowned for its own species of Westerly [[salmon]], three of which are on the town's crest. The Pawcatuck River flows from some fifteen miles deep into neighboring towns in the north and empties in Little Narragansett Bay. The Pawcatuck River also serves as the boundary between Westerly and [[Stonington, Connecticut]]. Along the coast of Westerly lie salt ponds, which serve as shallow reeflike pools, whose outer walls form the long, white beaches for which the town became renowned. From west to east, these ponds are called Winnapaug Pond, Weekapaug Pond and Quonochontaug Pond. Famous [[beach]]es, from west to east are [[Watch Hill]] beach, East Beach, [[Misquamicut]] Beach and [[Weekapaug]] Beach. The town also has a fresh water lake, Chapman's pond, which is undergoing revitalization. Also, Westerly grantite is mined here, some of it even made the [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] state house.

===Geology===
Westerly sits atop a glacial [[moraine]], a series of small hills of debris left behind by receding [[glaciers]] in the last Ice Age. A pristine sample of the moraine encompasses a {{convert|140|acre|km2|adj=on}} preserve owned in perpetuity by the Westerly Land Trust. Within the trust land are the rare [[Kettle (landform)|kettle]] formations that extend out under the sea to [[Block Island]].

===Climate===
Westerly has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Cfa''), defined as having a mean monthly temperature between {{convert|0|and|18|°C|°F|abbr=on}} in the coldest month and at least {{convert|22|°C|°F|abbr=on}} in the warmest month. Annually, Westerly has a long warm/hot season from April to mid-November, and a cool/cold season from late November through March. Westerly averages 2300 hours of sunshine annually (higher than the USA average), and receives about {{convert|1087|mm|in|abbr=on}} of precipitation annually.

{{Weather box
|location = Westerly, Rhode Island ([[Westerly State Airport]]) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1999–present
| width = auto
|single line = Y
| Jan record high F = 64
| Feb record high F = 70
| Mar record high F = 73
| Apr record high F = 88
| May record high F = 91
| Jun record high F = 92
| Jul record high F = 100
| Aug record high F = 93
| Sep record high F = 92
| Oct record high F = 88
| Nov record high F = 75
| Dec record high F = 65
| year record high F = 100
| Jan high F = 39.5
| Feb high F = 41.2
| Mar high F = 47.2
| Apr high F = 57.1
| May high F = 66.6
| Jun high F = 75.0
| Jul high F = 81.6
| Aug high F = 80.5
| Sep high F = 74.4
| Oct high F = 63.9
| Nov high F = 54.0
| Dec high F = 44.9
| year high F = 60.5
| Jan mean F = 32.0
| Feb mean F = 33.4
| Mar mean F = 39.6
| Apr mean F = 48.9
| May mean F = 58.3
| Jun mean F = 67.2
| Jul mean F = 73.8
| Aug mean F = 72.4
| Sep mean F = 65.7
| Oct mean F = 55.2
| Nov mean F = 45.9
| Dec mean F = 37.6
| year mean F = 52.5
| Jan low F = 24.5
| Feb low F = 25.7
| Mar low F = 32.0
| Apr low F = 40.7
| May low F = 50.0
| Jun low F = 59.4
| Jul low F = 65.9
| Aug low F = 64.3
| Sep low F = 57.1
| Oct low F = 46.5
| Nov low F = 37.8
| Dec low F = 30.3
| year low F = 44.5
| Jan record low F = −8
| Feb record low F = −10
| Mar record low F = 2
| Apr record low F = 22
| May record low F = 29
| Jun record low F = 40
| Jul record low F = 47
| Aug record low F = 48
| Sep record low F = 34
| Oct record low F = 25
| Nov record low F = 13
| Dec record low F = 4
| year record low F = −10
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 3.34
| Feb precipitation inch = 2.75
| Mar precipitation inch = 4.17
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.90
| May precipitation inch = 3.32
| Jun precipitation inch = 3.55
| Jul precipitation inch = 2.91
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.49
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.81
| Oct precipitation inch = 4.29
| Nov precipitation inch = 3.50
| Dec precipitation inch = 3.77
| year precipitation inch = 42.80
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 10.6
| Feb precipitation days = 9.1
| Mar precipitation days = 9.6
| Apr precipitation days = 11.3
| May precipitation days = 11.8
| Jun precipitation days = 11.0
| Jul precipitation days = 9.3
| Aug precipitation days = 9.4
| Sep precipitation days = 9.5
| Oct precipitation days = 10.9
| Nov precipitation days = 9.5
| Dec precipitation days = 11.2
| year precipitation days = 123.2
| source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=nws>
{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=box
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = May 30, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00014794&format=pdf
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| title = Station: Westerly State AP, RI
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| access-date = May 30, 2021}}</ref>
}}

===Villages===
Westerly consists of a number of small villages. [[Downtown Westerly]] on the [[Pawcatuck River]] is the municipal seat of the area, with the old town post office, library, YMCA, railroad station, former police headquarters (the current headquarters is located on Airport Road), granite buildings, and Wilcox Park.
[[File:Misquamicut.jpg|thumb|[[Misquamicut State Beach]], an area in the village of [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]].]]
Other villages include Avondale, with antique colonial-style and Queen Anne-style homes; [[Bradford, Rhode Island|Bradford]], with its own post office and postal code; Dunn's Corners; Mastuxet; [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]], a beachfront community with small amounts of nightlife and several hotels; Potter Hill, where the Town Forest is located; Shelter Harbor; [[Watch Hill, RI|Watch Hill]], with beaches and summer cottages; [[Weekapaug, Rhode Island|Weekapaug]]; White Rock; and Winnapaug, with public golf courses.

The town holds a number of annual events, such as the Pawcatuck River Duck Race in April, Virtu Art Festival in May, Shakespeare in the Park and the Summer Pops (hosted by the [[Chorus of Westerly]]) in June, and Riverglow in July. In recent years, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce's events have attracted many visitors, including big screen movies on the beach through July and August, Westerly's Columbus Day parade in October, and several beachfront events. Also, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Board of Control hold two of the oldest parades in the United States. The Memorial Day Parade started in 1867, held in May on Memorial Day, and the Veterans Day Parade started in 1917, held in November on the Saturday of Veterans Day week.

==Demographics==
{{For|demographic information on the urbanized area of Westerly|Westerly (CDP), Rhode Island}}
{{US Census population
|1790= 2298
|1800= 2329
|1810= 1911
|1820= 1972
|1830= 1915
|1840= 1912
|1850= 2763
|1860= 3470
|1870= 4709
|1880= 6104
|1890= 6813
|1900= 7541
|1910= 8696
|1920= 9952
|1930= 10997
|1940= 11199
|1950= 12380
|1960= 14267
|1970= 17248
|1980= 18580
|1990= 21605
|2000= 22966
|2010= 22787
|2020= 23359
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Cen1865">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NxsxC5mK7NAC | title=Report upon the Census of Rhode Island 1865 | publisher=Providence Press Company | author=Snow, Edwin M. | year=1867 | location=Providence, RI}}</ref>
}}

As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 22,966 people, 9,402 households, and 6,130 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|763.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 11,292 housing units at an average density of {{convert|375.3|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the town was 95.17% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.71% [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.57% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.99% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.34% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.22% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 1.18% of the population.

There were 9,402 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. Of all households, 29.0% were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $44,613, and the median income for a family was $53,165. Males had a median income of $37,887 versus $26,800 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $24,092. About 4.3% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

The most frequent ancestries among the town's population are Italian (34.2%), Irish (17.9%) and English (14.2%). Many Italians moved to Westerly from [[Italy]] around the start of the 20th century, a majority from [[Sicily]] and [[Calabria]], with Italian dialects still being spoken at the homes of many older residents in the town.

==Economy==
Located within the Town of Westerly are two regional banks headquartered in the town, including Washington Trust Bancorp Inc., a publicly traded regional bank with operations in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and the Westerly Community Credit Union.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westerly Community Credit Union {{!}} RI Personal Accounts {{!}} Loans |url=https://www.westerlyccu.com/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=www.westerlyccu.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Education ==
{{See also|Education in Rhode Island|Education in New England}}[[File:Westerly High School, Westerly RI.jpg|thumb|The Westerly High School seen from the front.]]
The main school system of Westerly is [[Westerly Public Schools]], including the [[Westerly High School]], the Westerly Middle School, Westerly High School Career and Tech (WHS-[[Career and technical education|CTE]]), and the local elementary schools, State Street Elementary School, Springbrook Elementary School, and Dunn’s Corners Elementary School.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-14 |title=Home - Westerly Public Schools |url=https://www.wpsri.org/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=www.wpsri.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== High School & Career and Tech ===
{{For|the full article on the Westerly High School|Westerly High School}}According to [[U.S. News & World Report|USnews]], the Westerly High School ranked #2,806 across the entire [[United States]], and 12th within the [[Rhode Island|State of Rhode Island]].<ref>[https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/rhode-island/districts/westerly/westerly-high-school-17521# usnews.com westerly high school 17521#]. Retrieved December 23 , 2023.</ref> Westerly High School hosts a [[Rhode Island Department of Education|RIDE]]-certified pathways in its career and technical school branch, the WHS-CTE, offering technical education in different fields.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Career and Technical Education - Westerly High School |url=https://whs.wpsri.org/departments/career-and-technical-education |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=whs.wpsri.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Westerly High School, along with other Rhode Island High Schools such as [[Chariho High School|Chariho Regional High School]], participates in [[SkillsUSA]].

==Media==
Local media sources in Westerly include the daily newspaper company, [[The Westerly Sun]], a daily newspaper with its weekly subdivision ''The Express'', and two local radio stations, being [[WBLQ (AM)]] and [[WVEI-FM]]. The Westerly Sun is the biggest source of media local to the Town of Westerly, spreading across other towns in [[Washington County, Rhode Island]] and into the [[Connecticut|State of Connecticut]].
== Government ==
[[File:Town of Westerly, RI Structure Hierarchy.png|thumb|205x205px|Hierarchy chart of the Town of Westerly according to 2014 Financial Report.<ref>https://westerlyri.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/64. [https://westerlyri.gov/ w''esterlyri.gov'']. June 30, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2024.</ref>]]
Westerly has a [[mayor–council government]] system, which the mayor is called the council president.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elected Officials {{!}} Westerly, RI |url=https://westerlyri.gov/214/Elected-Officials |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=westerlyri.gov}}</ref> The current mayor is William J. Aiello since 2022.<ref name=":1">https://westerlyri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/294/Elected-Officials-List-With-Contact-Information-PDF</ref> The Town of Westerly has other positions, including the school committee, and administration, with town manager being Shawn Lacey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rhode Island Department of State |url=https://opengov.sos.ri.gov/GOVDirectoryPublic/GOVDirectoryMeetingDetails?EntityID=4000 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=opengov.sos.ri.gov}}</ref> Terms of the local council, senator and representative in the [[Rhode Island General Assembly]] last two-years, and school committee officials having four-year terms.<ref name=":1" />

=== Town Charter and Town Council ===
[[File:Westerly Town Hall Meeting Room.png|thumb|Town Council Meeting Room inside of the Westerly Town Hall, with the town seal present on the conference table.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Town Managers Conference Room |url=https://westerlyri.gov/gallery.aspx?PID=13 |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Westerly, RI |language=en}}</ref>|left]]
Since 1969, the Town of Westerly has held a charter approved by [[Rhode Island]], structuring the towns government, and allowing autonomy. The town has to abide by state law, but by the town charter can enforce its own laws and policies. Article V, Chapter 1 of the charter defines the amount of people who are on the town council. The charter sets the hierarchy of the town government, and allowing town agencies to function similarly to the way department agencies to the [[United States]] of to the [[Rhode Island|State of Rhode Island]] function.<ref name=":3" />

The charter defines the powers of positions, and to what those in power can and cannot do. The Westerly School Committee and Westerly Town Council play a role in town finances and structure, both holding legal power.

=== Public safety ===
Westerly has a set budget of $102 million for the Westerly Police Department in the 2024–2025 fiscal budget.<ref>{{Cite web |last=writer |first=Ryan Blessing Sun staff |date=2024-04-29 |title=Westerly Town Council adopts $102 million budget for 2024-25 fiscal year |url=https://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/westerly/westerly-town-council-adopts-102-million-budget-for-2024-25-fiscal-year/article_da4d7c6a-065e-11ef-9028-df08280c97b5.html |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Westerly Sun |language=en}}</ref> Westerly, RI has a general crime rate of 10 per 1000 residents, with most crime happening in [[Downtown Westerly]], and along the coast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westerly, 02891 Crime Rates and Crime Statistics - NeighborhoodScout |url=https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ri/westerly/crime#:~:text=Westerly%20has%20an%20overall%20crime,of%20all%20sizes%20in%20America. |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=www.neighborhoodscout.com}}</ref> Westerly has a [[Crime statistics|total crime rate]] that is 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Westerly, RI Crime Rates: Stats & Map |url=https://www.areavibes.com/westerly-ri/crime/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=www.areavibes.com}}</ref>

Westerly is marked as one of the safest towns within the entirety of the [[United States]], with 68 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. In total, there are 0.62 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.57 daily property crimes) in the town of Westerly.<ref name=":2" />


== Transportation ==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Westerly has a total area of 193.8 [[square kilometer|km&sup2;]] (74.8 [[square mile|mi&sup2;]]). 77.9 km&sup2; (30.1 mi&sup2;) of it is land and 115.8 km&sup2; (44.7 mi&sup2;) of it is water. The total area is 59.78% water.
[[Image:Westerly Station.JPG|thumb|210x210px|The [[Westerly station|Westerly Amtrak Station]].]]
In Westerly, there is the [[Westerly State Airport]], which offers services by [[New England Airlines]]. Along with Westerly State Airport, [[Amtrak]] also offers services by the [[Westerly station|Westerly Amtrak Station]] between [[Washington, DC]] and [[Boston]], stopping at the [[Westerly (Amtrak station)|Westerly station]] near downtown. The station itself was closed in October 2016, but passengers can still board and disembark at the platform. Additionally, there have been proposals for [[CT Rail|CT''rail'']] to extend its [[Shore Line East]] service eastwards to Westerly station.


Westerly has [[U.S. Route 1 in Rhode Island|U.S. Route 1]] and state routes [[Rhode Island Route 1A|1A]], [[Rhode Island Route 3|3]], and [[Rhode Island Route 91|91]]. [[Rhode Island Route 78|Route 78]] forms a bypass around Westerly downtown and ends near Westerly Airport, with three interchanges in Rhode Island; the other endpoint is in [[Stonington, Connecticut]]. [[Interstate 95]] is approximately 5 miles away and can be reached by [[Connecticut Route 2]] and by [[Rhode Island Route 3]].
==Villages==
Westerly consists of a number of small villages. Downtown [[Westerly (CDP), Rhode Island|Westerly]], on the Pawcatuck River, is the municipal seat of the area, with the main town post office, library, high school and police station. Other villages are [[Watch Hill, Rhode Island|Watch Hill]] (with its fantastic beaches and summer cottages - along with the world-renowned private golf club, the Misquamicut Club), [[Misquamicut, Rhode Island|Misquamicut]] (a beachfront community with small amounts of nightlife and lots of hotels), [[Winnapaug, Rhode Island|Winnapaug]] (with its two golf courses Winnapaug Golf Club and Weekapaug Golf Club ,the only public golf course in the town), [[Dunn's Corner, Rhode Island|Dunn's Corner]], [[Bradford, Rhode Island|Bradford]], [[Shelter Harbor, Rhode Island|Shelter Harbor]] (a private residential community with its new private golf course, the Shelter Harbor Golf Club), [[Avondale, Rhode Island|Avondale]] (an old New England fishing community, with antique colonial and Queen Anne style homes and tree-lined streets), [[Potter Hill, Rhode Island|Potter Hill]] and [[White Rock, Rhode Island|White Rock]]. For the most part, Westerly's citizens identify themselves with the town, as opposed to the village in which they reside. The town is renowned for its pride, fostered by its beautiful beaches and events such as [[First Night]] and The Summer Pops, hosted by the [[Chorus of Westerly]] every June in the town park.


==Points of interest==
* [[Westerly High School]]
* Westerly Town Beach
* [[Misquamicut State Beach]]
* [[Watch Hill, Rhode Island|Watch Hill]]
* [[Westerly (Amtrak station)]]
* [[Westerly State Airport]]
* [[Wilcox Park]]
* Christopher Columbus Memorial statue by [[Charles H. Pizzano]]


===National Historic Register sites===
== Demographics ==
* [[Babcock-Smith House]]
As of the [[census]][[Geographic references#2|<sup>2</sup>]] of [[2000]], there are 22,966 people, 9,402 households, and 6,130 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] is 294.7/km&sup2; (763.3/mi&sup2;). There are 11,292 housing units at an average density of 144.9/km&sup2; (375.3/mi&sup2;). The racial makeup of the town is 95.17% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.71% [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[Race (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.57% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.99% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.00% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.34% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.22% from two or more races. 1.18% of the population are [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.
* [[Bradford Village Historic District (Hopkinton and Westerly, Rhode Island)|Bradford Village Historic District, in Hopkinton and Westerly]]
* [[Flying Horse Carousel]]
* [[Former Immaculate Conception Church]]
* [[Lewis-Card-Perry House]]
* [[Main Street Historic District (Westerly, Rhode Island)|Main Street Historic District]]
* [[North End Historic District (Westerly, Rhode Island)|North End Historic District]]
* [[Nursery Site, RI-273]]
* [[Perry Homestead Historic District]]
* [[Ram Point]]
* [[U.S. Post Office (Westerly, Rhode Island)]]
* [[Watch Hill Historic District]]
* [[Weekapaug Inn]]
* [[Westerly Armory]]
* [[Westerly Downtown Historic District]]
* [[Wilcox Park Historic District]]


==Notable people==
There are 9,402 households out of which 29.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% are [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% are non-families. 29.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 2.98.
{{Main|Category:People from Westerly, Rhode Island}}


==See also==
In the town the population is spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.6 males.
{{Portal|Rhode Island|New England
}}
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Rhode Island]]
* [[The United Theatre]], a performing arts center in the town
* [[Stonington, Connecticut]], a nearby town to Westerly.
* [[Westerly Hospital]]


==References==
The median income for a household in the town is $44,613, and the median income for a family is $53,165. Males have a median income of $37,887 versus $26,800 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town is $24,092. 6.7% of the population and 4.3% of families are below the [[poverty line]]. Out of the total population, 9.6% of those under the age of 18 and 6.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
The most frequent ancestries among the town's population are Italians (34.2%), Irish (17.9%) and English (14.2 %). Many Italians moved to Westerly from [[Italy]] at the turn of the century(particularly from [[Sicily]] and [[Calabria]]), and Italian is spoken at the homes of many residents.
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Westerly}}
* [http://www.westerlyri.gov Official website]


{{Geographic location
== External links ==
| Centre = Westerly
#[http://www.city-data.com/city/Westerly-Rhode-Island.html City Data]
| North = [[Hopkinton, Rhode Island|Hopkinton]]
#[http://www.greatestcities.com/North_America/USA/Rhode_Island_RI/Westerly_town.html?redir=1 Geocities Entry]
| East = [[Charlestown, Rhode Island|Charlestown]]
#[http://www.thewesterlysun.com/ Local Newspaper]
| South = [[Atlantic Ocean]]
#[http://www.westerlychamber.org/westerly.shtml Chamber of Commerce]
| West = [[Stonington, Connecticut]]
| Northwest = [[North Stonington, Connecticut]]
}}
{{Washington County, Rhode Island}}
{{Rhode Island}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Westerly, Rhode Island| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Washington County, Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Italian-American culture in Rhode Island]]
[[Category:1669 establishments in Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Towns in Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Towns in Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Washington County, Rhode Island]]

Latest revision as of 02:07, 24 December 2024

Westerly
Town
Westerly, Rhode Island
The Westerly Town Hall and Court House (2021)
The Westerly Armory (2005)
Westerly High School (2017)
Flag of Westerly
Flag
Official logo of Westerly
Seal
Map
Interactive map of Westerly
Westerly is located in Rhode Island
Westerly
Westerly
Location of Westerly in Rhode Island
Westerly is located in the United States
Westerly
Westerly
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 41°22′39″N 71°49′38″W / 41.37750°N 71.82722°W / 41.37750; -71.82722
Country United States
State Rhode Island
CountyWashington County
First settled1661
Incorporated1669
Villages
List
Government
 • TypeMayor–council government[1]
 • PresidentChristopher A. Duhamel
 • Vice-PresidentMary E. Scialabba
 • Town ManagerShawn M. Lacey
 • Town ClerkMary L. LeBlanc
 • Town SolicitorWilliam J. Conley
Area
 • Total
74.8 sq mi (194 km2)
 • Land30.1 sq mi (78 km2)
 • Water44.7 sq mi (116 km2)
Elevation
36 ft (11 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
23,359
 • Density777/sq mi (300/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
02891
02808 (Bradford)
Area code401
FIPS code44-77000[2]
GNIS feature ID1220091[3]
Websitewesterlyri.gov

Westerly is a town on the southwestern coastline of Washington County, Rhode Island, United States, first settled by English colonists in 1661, and incorporated as a municipality in 1669. Westerly is a beachfront community on the south shore of the state with a population of 23,359 as of the 2020 census.

The Pawcatuck River flows on the western border of Westerly, and was once renowned for its own species of Westerly salmon, three of which are displayed on the town's official seal. The Pawcatuck River flows from 15 mi (24 km) inland, emptying into Little Narragansett Bay. It also serves as the boundary between Westerly and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Three large salt ponds lie along the coast of Westerly which serve as shallow, reef-like pools whose outer walls form the long, white beaches for which the town is renowned, such as the Misquamicut State Beach. From west to east, these ponds are Maschaug Pond, Winnapaug Pond, and Quonochontaug Pond.

Westerly becomes a notable tourist destination during the summer months when the population nearly doubles.[4] Its well-known beaches include Weekapaug Beach, Westerly Town Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, East Beach, and Watch Hill Beach. The Town of Westerly was known historically for local important granite mining and stone-cutting industry, which ran until the quarries stopped operating in the 1950s.[5]

History

[edit]
See also: History of Rhode Island
1877 panoramic map of Westerly with list of sights

Westerly, R.I. prior to English colonization was known as Misquamicut, home to the Narragansett people prior to 1637, before the English had build an outpost, and forced the Narragansett people out of the region by 1661, allowing for the permanent settlement on the coast line.[6]

The English village was the home of Elder John Crandall (c. 1618–1676), one of Westerly's founding fathers. Crandall settled in Westerly in 1661, and the early history of Westerly contains many references to him and his sons. In 1669, Westerly was named for the settlement's location respective to Rhode Island's geography, being the westernmost town in the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.[citation needed] On May 18, 1669, the newly founded Town of Westerly in the southwest portion of the colony would host its first official town meeting with four elected officers to manage the town, alongside a town clerk.[7]

In 1738, the Town of Charlestown was partitioned off from Westerly, and 19 years later Hopkinton was also partitioned off from Westerly, leaving Westerly in its modern borders. Bradford, a village built in 1732, following the partition of Hopkinton remained shared between both Hopkinton and Westerly with the Bradford Village Historic District.

Physician, American Revolution general, and Rhode Island Supreme Court justice Dr. Joshua Babcock was born in Westerly. Rhode Island Governor and Chief Justice Samuel Ward also lived here for many years. During the American Revolution, Westerly did not play any major battles compared to the nearby Battle of Newport, which happened in Rhode Island. Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Ward Jr was a resident of Westerly, Rhode Island, commanding the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the only black regiment in the Continental Army, and its important role in the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Rhode Island. [8]

In the early 1800s, prior to the War of 1812, Westerly had become a shipbuilding center under U.S. Navy Officer Oliver Perry, having built Gunboats.[6]

In 1834, the Crumb Quarry, began operations, the first quarry in Westerly, to produce Westerly White and Blue granite.[9]

The Westerly area was known for its historically important (1870-1950s)[5] granite mining[10] and stone-cutting industry,[11][12] which quarried a unique stone known as Westerly granite.[13] This pinkish granite is ideal for statuary and has been used in numerous government buildings of several states on the eastern seaboard.[14] Its quarries produced blue granite, in addition to pinks and reds. The Smith Granite Company employed many granite cutting craftsmen and was one of the town's major employers until the quarries stopped operating in the 1950s. Hundreds of examples of their work can be seen on the battlefields of Gettysburg and in city squares, municipal buildings, cemeteries throughout the United States, and even the Georgia State Capitol.

The four trolley lines of the Groton and Stonington Street Railway, Norwich and Westerly Railway, Pawtucket Valley Street Railway, and the Ashaway and Westerly Railway converged in Westerly and shared track between the railroad station and Dixon House Square downtown. The lines were built in the 1890s and 1900s and ran until the 1920s.

Recent history (1900s−present)

[edit]

In 1912, the Westerly Town Hall and Courthouse was built, designed by William Walker & Son in the Academic Revival style, replacing the old town hall. Following the new town halls creation, the district of Pleasant View would be renamed to the Misquamicut in 1928, the original native name of the Westerly region, nearly 260 years after the Town of Westerly was founded.

Westerly in 1938 would be struck by the 1938 New England Hurricane, causing severe damage, with the village of Napatree Point being completely destroyed, with buildings being sent into Little Narragansett Bay, and Sandy Point being disconnected from the rest of Napatree to where it remains today.[15] Misquamicut, Galilee, Jerusalem, Green Hill, and Quonochontaug being heavily destroyed, and a storm surge of 12 to 15ft tall along the coast of Rhode Island.[16][17] Many factories, mines, houses, and more structures collapsed during the hurricane, and the New Haven and Hartford Railroad was damaged, shutting down transport to Westerly, RI. Following this, Westerly would be struck again 6 years later in 1944, and again in 1954 by major hurricanes.

In 1966, the Guild Guitar Company, founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge in New York City, moved production to Westerly, and continued to make their well-respected archtop, acoustic, and solid body guitars there. The Westerly Town Charter, which approved the right to maintain and preserve self-government to the Town of Westerly was approved by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations on November 5, 1968, and become effective July 1, 1969.[18]

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy left beaches along the Westerly shoreline devastated and nearly unrecognizable, including Misquamicut. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee stated that Misquamicut was "our New Jersey," referring to the amount of damage that was received in the State of New Jersey.[19] The damages caused by Hurricane Sandy caused $11.3 million dollars in damages,[20] with almost 100,000 power outages reported in Rhode Island.

In December of 2019, a shooting happened at the Babcock Village, in which three women ended up shot. The police identified the shooter, and two surviving victims. The shooting was done by 66-year old Joseph Giachello, who was found dead in his room after taking the life of 47-year old Julie Cardinal, the manager of the complex.[21] During this shooting, all the schools in Westerly managed by Westerly Public Schools were put into lockdown, although Westerly Public Schools stated: “there is no verifiable threat to any of the buildings.”[22]

The Covid Pandemic

[edit]
See also: COVID-19 pandemic in Rhode Island

On March 28, 2020, the Governor of Rhode Island had issued a lockdown of the entire State of Rhode Island. The Town of Westerly in response cancelled any town council meetings with only few exceptions, and urged residents to use online and mail services.[23] All schools would initially be ordered to remain closed until April 3, 2020, to set up distance learning for all the students.

In August of 2021, Tropical Storm Henri made landfall in Westerly, causing significant damage and power outages. Following Henri’s impacts, in November 2021, three tornadoes were confirmed in Rhode Island, the first being an EF-1 tornado which went from Stonington, Connecticut to Westerly.[24]

In January 4, 2022, the Westerly Public Schools system had reopened with mask policies still in place in place and extended quarantine times for those who got sick, but many still had remained home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[25]

Aftermath of the Covid Pandemic

[edit]

Following the covid pandemic, in September of 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced that samples of the West Nile virus had been collected within Westerly and East Providence, found in five of the 114 samples statewide. During the samples, no samples of Eastern equine encephalitis had been detected, with only one case in the entire state.[26]

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 74.8 square miles (194 km2), of which, 30.1 square miles (78 km2) is land and 44.7 square miles (116 km2) (59.78%) is water. The Bureau includes Westerly in the RI-MA Providence metropolitan area (defined at the county level) but in the CT-RI Norwich-New London NECTA (defined at the municipal level).

Geology

[edit]

Westerly sits atop a glacial moraine, a series of small hills of debris left behind by receding glaciers in the last Ice Age. A pristine sample of the moraine encompasses a 140-acre (0.57 km2) preserve owned in perpetuity by the Westerly Land Trust. Within the trust land are the rare kettle formations that extend out under the sea to Block Island.

Climate

[edit]

Westerly has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), defined as having a mean monthly temperature between 0 and 18 °C (32 and 64 °F) in the coldest month and at least 22 °C (72 °F) in the warmest month. Annually, Westerly has a long warm/hot season from April to mid-November, and a cool/cold season from late November through March. Westerly averages 2300 hours of sunshine annually (higher than the USA average), and receives about 1,087 mm (42.8 in) of precipitation annually.

Climate data for Westerly, Rhode Island (Westerly State Airport) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1999–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 64
(18) 		70
(21) 		73
(23) 		88
(31) 		91
(33) 		92
(33) 		100
(38) 		93
(34) 		92
(33) 		88
(31) 		75
(24) 		65
(18) 		100
(38)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 39.5
(4.2) 		41.2
(5.1) 		47.2
(8.4) 		57.1
(13.9) 		66.6
(19.2) 		75.0
(23.9) 		81.6
(27.6) 		80.5
(26.9) 		74.4
(23.6) 		63.9
(17.7) 		54.0
(12.2) 		44.9
(7.2) 		60.5
(15.8)
Daily mean °F (°C) 32.0
(0.0) 		33.4
(0.8) 		39.6
(4.2) 		48.9
(9.4) 		58.3
(14.6) 		67.2
(19.6) 		73.8
(23.2) 		72.4
(22.4) 		65.7
(18.7) 		55.2
(12.9) 		45.9
(7.7) 		37.6
(3.1) 		52.5
(11.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 24.5
(−4.2) 		25.7
(−3.5) 		32.0
(0.0) 		40.7
(4.8) 		50.0
(10.0) 		59.4
(15.2) 		65.9
(18.8) 		64.3
(17.9) 		57.1
(13.9) 		46.5
(8.1) 		37.8
(3.2) 		30.3
(−0.9) 		44.5
(6.9)
Record low °F (°C) −8
(−22) 		−10
(−23) 		2
(−17) 		22
(−6) 		29
(−2) 		40
(4) 		47
(8) 		48
(9) 		34
(1) 		25
(−4) 		13
(−11) 		4
(−16) 		−10
(−23)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.34
(85) 		2.75
(70) 		4.17
(106) 		3.90
(99) 		3.32
(84) 		3.55
(90) 		2.91
(74) 		3.49
(89) 		3.81
(97) 		4.29
(109) 		3.50
(89) 		3.77
(96) 		42.80
(1,087)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.6 9.1 9.6 11.3 11.8 11.0 9.3 9.4 9.5 10.9 9.5 11.2 123.2
Source: NOAA[27][28]

Villages

[edit]

Westerly consists of a number of small villages. Downtown Westerly on the Pawcatuck River is the municipal seat of the area, with the old town post office, library, YMCA, railroad station, former police headquarters (the current headquarters is located on Airport Road), granite buildings, and Wilcox Park.

Misquamicut State Beach, an area in the village of Misquamicut.

Other villages include Avondale, with antique colonial-style and Queen Anne-style homes; Bradford, with its own post office and postal code; Dunn's Corners; Mastuxet; Misquamicut, a beachfront community with small amounts of nightlife and several hotels; Potter Hill, where the Town Forest is located; Shelter Harbor; Watch Hill, with beaches and summer cottages; Weekapaug; White Rock; and Winnapaug, with public golf courses.

The town holds a number of annual events, such as the Pawcatuck River Duck Race in April, Virtu Art Festival in May, Shakespeare in the Park and the Summer Pops (hosted by the Chorus of Westerly) in June, and Riverglow in July. In recent years, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce's events have attracted many visitors, including big screen movies on the beach through July and August, Westerly's Columbus Day parade in October, and several beachfront events. Also, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Board of Control hold two of the oldest parades in the United States. The Memorial Day Parade started in 1867, held in May on Memorial Day, and the Veterans Day Parade started in 1917, held in November on the Saturday of Veterans Day week.

Demographics

[edit]
For demographic information on the urbanized area of Westerly, see Westerly (CDP), Rhode Island.
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17902,298—
18002,3291.3%
18101,911−17.9%
18201,9723.2%
18301,915−2.9%
18401,912−0.2%
18502,76344.5%
18603,47025.6%
18704,70935.7%
18806,10429.6%
18906,81311.6%
19007,54110.7%
19108,69615.3%
19209,95214.4%
193010,99710.5%
194011,1991.8%
195012,38010.5%
196014,26715.2%
197017,24820.9%
198018,5807.7%
199021,60516.3%
200022,9666.3%
201022,787−0.8%
202023,3592.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[29][30]

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 22,966 people, 9,402 households, and 6,130 families residing in the town. The population density was 763.3 inhabitants per square mile (294.7/km2). There were 11,292 housing units at an average density of 375.3 units per square mile (144.9 units/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 95.17% White, 0.71% Black or African American, 0.57% Native American, 1.99% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.18% of the population.

There were 9,402 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. Of all households, 29.0% were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $44,613, and the median income for a family was $53,165. Males had a median income of $37,887 versus $26,800 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,092. About 4.3% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

The most frequent ancestries among the town's population are Italian (34.2%), Irish (17.9%) and English (14.2%). Many Italians moved to Westerly from Italy around the start of the 20th century, a majority from Sicily and Calabria, with Italian dialects still being spoken at the homes of many older residents in the town.

Economy

[edit]

Located within the Town of Westerly are two regional banks headquartered in the town, including Washington Trust Bancorp Inc., a publicly traded regional bank with operations in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and the Westerly Community Credit Union.[31]

Education

[edit]
See also: Education in Rhode Island and Education in New England
The Westerly High School seen from the front.

The main school system of Westerly is Westerly Public Schools, including the Westerly High School, the Westerly Middle School, Westerly High School Career and Tech (WHS-CTE), and the local elementary schools, State Street Elementary School, Springbrook Elementary School, and Dunn’s Corners Elementary School.[32]

High School & Career and Tech

[edit]
For the full article on the Westerly High School, see Westerly High School.

According to USnews, the Westerly High School ranked #2,806 across the entire United States, and 12th within the State of Rhode Island.[33] Westerly High School hosts a RIDE-certified pathways in its career and technical school branch, the WHS-CTE, offering technical education in different fields.[34] Westerly High School, along with other Rhode Island High Schools such as Chariho Regional High School, participates in SkillsUSA.

Media

[edit]

Local media sources in Westerly include the daily newspaper company, The Westerly Sun, a daily newspaper with its weekly subdivision The Express, and two local radio stations, being WBLQ (AM) and WVEI-FM. The Westerly Sun is the biggest source of media local to the Town of Westerly, spreading across other towns in Washington County, Rhode Island and into the State of Connecticut.

Government

[edit]
Hierarchy chart of the Town of Westerly according to 2014 Financial Report.[35]

Westerly has a mayor–council government system, which the mayor is called the council president.[36] The current mayor is William J. Aiello since 2022.[37] The Town of Westerly has other positions, including the school committee, and administration, with town manager being Shawn Lacey.[38] Terms of the local council, senator and representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly last two-years, and school committee officials having four-year terms.[37]

Town Charter and Town Council

[edit]
Town Council Meeting Room inside of the Westerly Town Hall, with the town seal present on the conference table.[39]

Since 1969, the Town of Westerly has held a charter approved by Rhode Island, structuring the towns government, and allowing autonomy. The town has to abide by state law, but by the town charter can enforce its own laws and policies. Article V, Chapter 1 of the charter defines the amount of people who are on the town council. The charter sets the hierarchy of the town government, and allowing town agencies to function similarly to the way department agencies to the United States of to the State of Rhode Island function.[18]

The charter defines the powers of positions, and to what those in power can and cannot do. The Westerly School Committee and Westerly Town Council play a role in town finances and structure, both holding legal power.

Public safety

[edit]

Westerly has a set budget of $102 million for the Westerly Police Department in the 2024–2025 fiscal budget.[40] Westerly, RI has a general crime rate of 10 per 1000 residents, with most crime happening in Downtown Westerly, and along the coast.[41] Westerly has a total crime rate that is 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents.[42]

Westerly is marked as one of the safest towns within the entirety of the United States, with 68 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. In total, there are 0.62 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.57 daily property crimes) in the town of Westerly.[42]

Transportation

[edit]
The Westerly Amtrak Station.

In Westerly, there is the Westerly State Airport, which offers services by New England Airlines. Along with Westerly State Airport, Amtrak also offers services by the Westerly Amtrak Station between Washington, DC and Boston, stopping at the Westerly station near downtown. The station itself was closed in October 2016, but passengers can still board and disembark at the platform. Additionally, there have been proposals for CTrail to extend its Shore Line East service eastwards to Westerly station.

Westerly has U.S. Route 1 and state routes 1A, 3, and 91. Route 78 forms a bypass around Westerly downtown and ends near Westerly Airport, with three interchanges in Rhode Island; the other endpoint is in Stonington, Connecticut. Interstate 95 is approximately 5 miles away and can be reached by Connecticut Route 2 and by Rhode Island Route 3.

Points of interest

[edit]

National Historic Register sites

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]
Main page: Category:People from Westerly, Rhode Island

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Town Council | Westerly, RI". westerlyri.gov. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  3. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "Home - Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, RI". www.westerlychamber.org. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  5. ^ a b "Granite: Westerly's Flagship Industry". see Westerly RI. April 1, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Westerly, Rhode Island | Advisory Council on Historic Preservation". www.achp.gov. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  7. ^ "Town Clerk | Westerly, RI". westerlyri.gov. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  8. ^ seewesterly (March 21, 2018). "Samuel Ward Jr. and the Battle of Rhode Island". WESTERLY RI. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  9. ^ "The Smith Granite Company of Westerly: A Short History". smallstatebighistory.com. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  10. ^ "Comprehensive Historical List granite companies between 1870 and present". Babcock-Smith House Museum. Retrieved November 25, 2024. This is a list of the granite companies listed in the local newpapers, city directories, company records and elsewhere between 1870 and the present day, showing how extensive the involvement of the community was in the granite industry.
  11. ^ "National Register of Historic Places" (PDF). virginia.gov. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  12. ^ Civil War Monuments of Connecticut Suppliers & Materials
  13. ^ "The Granite Industry". Babcock–Smith House Museum. 124 Granite Street, Westerly, Rhode Island. Retrieved November 25, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  14. ^ Pearson, Dan (August 30, 2004). "Modern Sculpture Makes Connection To Westerly's Past". The Day.
  15. ^ "History of Napatree – The Watch Hill Conservancy". Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  16. ^ "GALLERY: Hurricane history: Storms no stranger to Rhode Island". The Providence Journal. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  17. ^ Norris, Doug (September 19, 2013). "Hurricane of '38: 'So many things disappeared'". The IndependentRI (South County Newspapers). Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  18. ^ a b https://ecode360.com/12078301#. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  19. ^ Vallee, David (March 1993). "RHODE ISLAND HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS; A FIFTY-SIX YEAR SUMMARY" (PDF). Providence, Rhode Island: National Weather Service Office. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  20. ^ "Storm Events Database - Search Results". National Climatic Data Center. January 7, 2014. Archived from the original on January 7, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  21. ^ "Police ID suspected shooter, surviving victims in Babcock Village shooting". Westerly Sun. December 20, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  22. ^ "Shooting in Westerly leaves 2 dead, 2 injured". WJAR NBC 10 NEWS. December 19, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  23. ^ "COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Update from Town Of Westerly - Updated Restrictions 3/28/2020". Westerly, RI. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  24. ^ "NWS: Three confirmed tornadoes in Rhode Island". WPRI-TV. November 14, 2021.
  25. ^ writer, Dale P. Faulkner Sun staff (January 4, 2022). "Westerly schools remain open, but COVID-19 is keeping many at home". Westerly Sun. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  26. ^ NEWS, NBC 10 (September 13, 2024). "Rhode Island detects West Nile virus in East Providence, Westerly in latest samples". WJAR. Retrieved December 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  28. ^ "Station: Westerly State AP, RI". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  29. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  30. ^ Snow, Edwin M. (1867). Report upon the Census of Rhode Island 1865. Providence, RI: Providence Press Company.
  31. ^ "Westerly Community Credit Union | RI Personal Accounts | Loans". www.westerlyccu.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  32. ^ "Home - Westerly Public Schools". www.wpsri.org. October 14, 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  33. ^ usnews.com westerly high school 17521#. Retrieved December 23 , 2023.
  34. ^ "Career and Technical Education - Westerly High School". whs.wpsri.org. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  35. ^ https://westerlyri.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Item/64. westerlyri.gov. June 30, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  36. ^ "Elected Officials | Westerly, RI". westerlyri.gov. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  37. ^ a b https://westerlyri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/294/Elected-Officials-List-With-Contact-Information-PDF
  38. ^ "Rhode Island Department of State". opengov.sos.ri.gov. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  39. ^ "Town Managers Conference Room". Westerly, RI. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  40. ^ writer, Ryan Blessing Sun staff (April 29, 2024). "Westerly Town Council adopts $102 million budget for 2024-25 fiscal year". Westerly Sun. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  41. ^ "Westerly, 02891 Crime Rates and Crime Statistics - NeighborhoodScout". www.neighborhoodscout.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  42. ^ a b "Westerly, RI Crime Rates: Stats & Map". www.areavibes.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Westerly, Rhode Island.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Westerly.
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