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South Kingstown has 27,921
people
It covers 40,194.6 acres of land
A colonial settlement in South
Kingstown marked the beginning of development
in what is now southern Rhode Island. It was here
that King Philip was first defeated by colonial
soldiers from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and
Connecticut in the Great Swamp Fight of 1675.
An agricultural settlement from the very beginning,
South Kingstown flourished in the farming industry.
The main agricultural product was flax, expanding
to include vegetables and turf in more recent
times. The industrial revolution brought manufacturing
to the forefront of industry: the Wakefield Manufacturing
Company started operation in 1800 along with the
Peace Dale Mill. Indeed, manufacturing grew to
be one of the town's largest industries.
In 1892, the Rhode Island College of Agriculture
and Mechanic Arts was founded near Kingston and
marked a historic addition of trade and practical
training to South Kingstown's burgeoning industry.
The school grew to become the University
of Rhode Island, becoming more diverse in
its focus as well as scope. The University plays
a major role in the economic and cultural community
of South Kingstown.
South Kingstown features a beautiful shoreline
and many beach areas, which was drawn an influx
of developers and residential expansion. The many
seasonal residences have allowed tourism to grow
into a major industry in the town.
Government: there are
5 members on the Town Council, which meets regularly.
There is a Planning Board, Zoning Board of Review,
Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission,
Recreation Commission, and several others. Also,
South Kingstown employs a full-time planner and
a Global Information Systems (GIS) expert.
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