Central Falls, Rhode Island

Central Falls is a city in Providence County, in the northern part of Rhode Island. Although it covers only 1.29 sq mi (3.34 sq km) it has a population of 19,000 people (2011 estimate). This makes Central Falls the smallest and most densely populated city in Rhode Island.

Central Falls, Rhode Island
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Central_Falls_Street.jpg
Author: Marcbela


The area around Central Falls was inhabited by the Nipmuc, Wampanoag and Narragansett groups of Native Americans until the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century. The town was incorporated in 1730 following the arrival of settlers who set up various economic activities. As one of the businesses here was the making of chocolate, the town was originally called Chocolateville.

In 1824, at the suggestion of Captain Stephen Jenks, who was one of the pioneers in town, Chocolateville was renamed Central Falls. Over the course of the 19th century, the town split and consolidate with other nearby towns and villages. It was part of Smithfield until 1871, when the boundary was redrawn, and it became part of Lincoln. It only became a standalone town in 1895, when it split with Lincoln.

Quakers from England were the early settlers in Central Falls. They were joined in the later part of the 19th century by immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and French Canada. In the 20th century, Central Falls received an inflow of Hispanic immigrants, helping to create a cosmopolitan city.

In 2010, the mayor of Central Falls became enbroiled in a corruption scandal that is still on-going. At the same time, the city government was facing financial insolvency and was forced to declare itself bankrupt on 1 August, 2011. The fate of Central Falls remains unresolved at time of writing (Dec 2011). There is a likelihood that it may merge with Pawtucket, its neighbor to the south.

Visiting Central Falls

Take Interstate 95 until Exit 30 and head from Roosevelt Avenue to Cross Street to enter Central Falls.

Places of Interest in Central Falls

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