The Town of North Smithfield is located at the northern border of our state and has been called the gateway to northern Rhode Island. Located on a major highway -- Route 146 -- between Providence and Worcestor, with easy access to the new T.F. Green Airport and only an hour from Boston, North Smithfield is a great place to live, work, or play. This webpage serves as a gateway to our town and allows us to tell the world who we are and what we have to offer.
Incorporated in 1871, the town was first called Slater after English industrialist John Slater. That name changed to North Smithfield just sixteen days later. Early settlers were farmers and their lives centered on the farm, but because of the town's proximity to water it was inevitable that growth would come as mills were established to make use of the power of the water.
There are still working farms in the town such as Wright's Dairy Farm, the Goodwin Farm, Homestead Gardens, and Christiansen's Orchard. The "Olde Allen Farm" is home to Hi-On-a-Hill Herb Farm, the only certified organic vegetable farm in Northern Rhode Island. The farms sell locally grown products to a clientele drawn from the region. Also, Brookside Equestrian Center and Phoenix Rising Horse Farm help to make North Smithfield a first rate location for equestrian training.
North Smithfield is ready as we enter the 21st century to accept the ever evolving demands within the global marketplace. Municipal government, community leaders, business people, and residents are eager to expand existing businesses while providing opportunities for growth. We welcome the opportunity to share our beautiful community with you.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Lowe
Town Administrator