Southern Rhode Island Region
Washington County, RI..South County, RI…Southern RI… What’s the Difference?
Washington County Rhode Island is a county located in the southwestern part of the state of Rhode Island. Washington County borders Kent County to the north, New London County in Connecticut to the west, Suffolk County in New York to the southwest, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Newport County, Rhode Island, to the east. As of 2010, the population was 126,979. Formed as King's County in 1729 from the southern portion of Providence County, its name was changed to Washington County in 1781. Washington County is the largest county in Rhode Island, and the smallest county in the US that is a state's largest county. Rhode Island counties, including Washington County, have no governmental functions, other than as court administrative and sheriff corrections boundaries which are part of state government. Washington County consist of the following towns: Block Island/New Shoreham, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown , Richmond , South Kingstown and Westerly.
Southern Rhode Island refers to a specific geographic region of Rhode Island that is marketed by the United Chambers of Southern Rhode Island, a coalition of 5 independent southern Rhode Island chambers of commerce that work in unison to advance the business interests and economy of the region. Southern Rhode Island chambers of commerce that partner in this coalition promote events, beaches, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the towns of Block Island/New Shoreham, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown and Westerly. With over 2,300 businesses represented, this organization is the definitive voice of business for southern Rhode Island and also has members from the towns of East Greenwich, West Greenwich, Pawcatuck, CT and beyond.
South County Rhode Island is a marketing brand that refers to a specific geographic region of Rhode Island. That brand is promoted by the State of Rhode Island Department of Economic Development and the South County Tourism Council with funds that are generated through state hotel taxes. Marketing of South County promotes the following Rhode Island Towns: Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich and Westerly.
All these different names for one special region may seem confusing, but we can help. To obtain the most accurate and comprehensive vacation information and business information for Southern Rhode Island, South County and/or Washington County contact us!
