About Us
The Town of Richmond has a population of approximately 8,000 people and was incorporated on August 18, 1747. The town was named in honor of Edward Richmond, attorney general of the Colony of Rhode Island from 1671 to 1680, who took an active part in the settlement of the area.
Location
Situated in the heart of Washington County (unofficially known as South County) and encompassing an area of 40.6 square miles, Richmond is bordered northerly and northeasterly by the Town of Exeter, southeasterly by the Town of South Kingstown, southerly by the Town of Charlestown, and westerly by the Town of Hopkinton. Richmond is the only town in Washington County that does not border another county or the ocean.
Villages
There are 7 villages in the Town of Richmond: Carolina, Hope Valley, Kenyon, Shannock, West Kingston, Wood River Junction, and Wyoming
Getting Here
Less than 30 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island, Richmond is a short drive to both T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick and Westerly State Airport (WST). AMTRAK provides rail service in West Kingston, 10 miles east on RI Route 138. Public transportation is provided by Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus routes 95x and 301 at the Wyoming Park & Ride, route 66 at West Kingston Park, and routes 64 and 66 at Kingston Train Station. The Wyoming Village business district is situated just off Exit 7 of US Interstate 95, making this a “gateway community” area and easily accessible to all of Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut.
Our Government
A five-member Town Council, elected biannually, governs the general affairs of the town. In November 2008, the town adopted its first Home Rule Charter, which now makes provision for a Town Administrator. However, the town government continues many traditional features under the new charter. Residents vote annually in the annual budget referendum.
Education
The towns of Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton formed the Chariho Regional School District in 1958, which later became the first regionalized Junior-Senior school system in Rhode Island. The school system now includes the elementary schools, as well.
Richmond elects four of the twelve-member Chariho School Committee, which oversees the school administration. Residents vote annually in spring on a district-wide referendum to approve or amend the school committee’s annual operating budget. Over 75% of Richmond’s annual budget is its obligation to the Chariho School District.
Public Safety
In addition to a full-time police department, the Rhode Island State Police Hope Valley Barracks is located on Route 3 near the village of Wyoming. Two volunteer fire districts serve the Town of Richmond, the Richmond-Carolina Fire District and the Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District. Richmond is also serviced by the Hope Valley Ambulance Squad.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of golf courses in town, with five courses open to the public and plenty more golf courses in neighboring towns. Every August, visitors flock to the Washington County Fair, the only county fair in Rhode Island. Those seeking adventure are encouraged to explore the numerous hiking trails throughout town, where you'll find trails for all skill levels. The 77-mile North-South Trail that runs the length of Rhode Island runs through Richmond. The Carolina Management Area, popular with hunters and anglers, is comprised of 2,359 acres, consisting primarily of forest cover (evergreen 960 acres, deciduous 456 acres), wetlands (280 acres), and agricultural land (134 acres). With 123 miles of rivers and streams running through town, there are plenty of places to fish, kayak, and canoe. The nearest beach is located approximately 11 miles to the south.