Rhode Island's most densely populated community, it is manufacturing past is still a big influence on life in this city. Always welcoming immigrants, Central Falls is still an urban melting pot and it's main streets are lined with a United Nations variety of restaurants and food stores. It is easily accessed off interstate 95 to Lonsdale Ave. or through the downtown streets of neighboring Pawtucket.

The City of Central Falls was formerly a part of the Town of Lincoln, and was incorporated as a city February 21, 1895.

Central Falls, the smallest municipality in the state (1.3 square miles), is also one of the most densely populated cities in the country.

This tiny city just west of Pawtucket, on the Blackstone River has a history of industrial development. Central Falls was at one time called Chocolate Mill, after the chocolate factory established there in 1790.

Due to this inherent characteristic, Central Falls and Pawtucket are often alluded to as the "Twin Cities". Historically, it is best known as one of the areas where King Philip wreaked vengeance upon the white settlers, and a tablet at High and Aigan Streets marks the stop where Captain Michael Pierce, and a company of Plymouth soldiers were ambushed and almost annihilated by Indians, March 26, 1676.

Central Falls has several large manufacturing plants, with its economy sustained primarily by a diversified manufacturing industry.

COGSWELL CLOCK TOWER. (1904) In Jenks Park, adjacent to City Hall, Broad Street. The official symbol of Central Falls, stands in Jenks Park atop Dexter's Ledge, which was used as an Indian lookout during King Phillip's War (1675-1676). OPEN: Daylight hours. Park open year-round. 727-7474.

MOSHASSUCK CEMETERY. Lonsdale Avenue. The scene of the conflict between the National Guard and United Textile Workers (1934). National Guard Troops were federalized and commanded by General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, then just beginning his illustrious career. 334-7773.

PIERCE PARK AND RIVERWALK. (1676) High Street. Due to land disputes and broken peace treaties between local natives and early English settlers, King Phillips War took place for 14 months during 1675-1676. Captain Michael Pierce's fight with the natives occurred on this spot in March of 1676. From Dexter's Ledge native scouts saw Pierce's troops approaching. 100 natives and 70 settlers perished in the battle. 10 settlers escaped to what are now the Monastary grounds in Cumberland, where 9 were later captured and executed. Only one lived to tell the tale. OPEN: Daylight hours, year round. 727-7480.

Population: The population count for the City of Central Falls as of April 1, 2000, was 18,928. This represented a 7.3% change (1,291) from the 1990 population of 17,637. 

Population Density: Central Falls contains 3.133 square kilometers of land area (1.210 Sq. Miles) and 0.212 square kilometers of water area (0.082 Sq. Miles). Total area is 3.345 square kilometers or 1.292 square miles.

The 2000 population density of Central Falls is 15,773.3 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 13,397 persons residing in Central Falls were 18 years of age or older.

More Census 2000 data on Central Falls and the State of Rhode Island is available at the Statewide Planning Program Website.

City Hall
580 Broad Street
Central Falls, RI 02863
Fax: 724-6006
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (from Sept 16)
           9:00 am - 4:00 pm (from June 16)

**Information above provided by the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development Corporation

Web Links

City of Central Falls Central Falls School District Blackstone Valley Tourism Council