Founded in 1743, this town is home to outstanding family recreation areas: Second & Third Beaches; Sachuest Point Wildlife Sanctuary; Purgatory Chasm; Norman Bird Sanctuary; and a variety of parks. Water related activities, such as surfing, swimming, fishing, windsurfing and boating, are quite accessible throughout the community. Numerous historical sites are well maintained throughout the town by the Historical Commission and a windmill- the town's symbol- is being restored and reassembled by the Commission for everyone to enjoy.

The The Newport County maintains a pleasant balance between residential, light industrial, and open space and farmlands which is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. Established in 1638 by Ann Hutchinson, who had been expelled from Massachusetts Bay Colony due to religious beliefs, Portsmouth became the first town in the nation to be founded by a woman. The Portsmouth Compact of 1638 was the first authentic guarantee of civil and religious liberty in the world, making the town the birthplace of American democracy. As the largest town on Aquidneck Island, Portsmouth has an extensive coastline boarded on the east by the Sakonnet River, the north by Mount Hope Bay, and the west by Narragansett Bay. With a great deal of public access, the water has become a valuable asset to both the residents of the town and the recreational marine industry which also has found a home here.

The Melville Maritime District on the west side of the island has a history of boat building that began with the construction of PT Boats during World War II and continues today with the construction of modern cruising- and racing boats. During the PT boat era, Melville was used as a training base for the crews and was John F. Kennedy's station prior to his assignment to the South Pacific and PT 109. Today the charter and training boats coming in and out of Melville maintain the same state of the art designs as the PT boats of that era.

Situated on the easterly side of the Sakonnet River, Tiverton can best be described as an ideal place to sit and watch the New England sunsets The town was once the home and hunting ground of the Pocasset Indian Tribe. The Indian name of Tiverton signifies a place at which a strait widens. Tiverton began as a colony of Plymouth Plantation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Its historic development and the quality of its natural features are unique. There are many historic home sites in the town, including Fort Barton, "where the hillsides shook beneath the roar and thunder of canons" during the battle of Rhode Island. In an effort to forever preserve its natural and historic heritage Tiverton has dedicated 480 acres of open space in Weetamoo Woods and 80 acres of open space in Fort Barton. The town has also made a substantial investment in its future by purchasing a 225 acre parcel to be known as the Tiverton Industrial Park. The location of the park is very convenient to Route 24, with Interstate 195 only 4 miles to the north. If you're planning to visit this quaint little town, be sure to enjoy the Waterfront Festival which is held the week of July 4th. The turnout and support of all the townspeople makes this a tremendous event for people of all ages, and don't miss Tiverton Four Comers with its unique shops and the ever popular Gray's Ice Cream Parlor for one of the best tasting and shopping treats ever.

Little Compton was incorporated as a part of Plymouth Colony in 1682. In 1746, under Royal Decree, it was transferred to Rhode Island. The town is located in a rural part of the State. Bounded on the east by the Town of Westport, Mass., on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and the west by the Sakonnet River (approximately 13.5 miles of coast-line), it is the third smallest in population compared to all the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. Little Compton encompasses an area of 23.2 square miles of which 1.7 square miles is inland water. The town is a rural agricultural community with a small fishing fleet that operates from Sakonnet harbor.

Agriculture, fishing, and seasonal based economic activity are the most significant elements of the local economy. Most businesses are small, there are no motels, large office buildings, or multiple family dwellings, and only one hotel (14 rooms, 3 stories high). Employment for Little Compton residents is largely centered in Newport, Providence and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Situated at the mouth of Narragansett Bay, Conanicut Island has a rich and varied history, evolving from a pre historic Indian community, through a period of farming settlements, and later to a strategic military location during World War II. Evidence of the island's early days can be found in the numerous museums, state parks, and historic sites. Because of its remote location (bridges to the mainland are relatively recent), the Island has developed more slowly than mainland communities. Though Jamestown now has 5,000 residents, the place has retained its rural character and remains a quiet seaside community.

Narragansett Avenue bisects the island, and is the location of many fine restaurants and shops. Residents and summer visitors can enjoy the bay from any one of a number of locations. Beavertail State Park with its unique lighthouse and museum is located at the southern tip of the island and is one of the most recognizable destinations in the state.