Central Falls is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 22,583 at the 2020 census. With an area of only 1.29 square miles, it is the smallest and most densely populated city in the smallest state, and the 23rd most densely populated incorporated place in the United States. The city takes its name from a waterfall on the Blackstone River.
First Peoples & First Mentions
Before Europeans arrived, the area was home to Nipmuc, Wampanoag, and Narragansett
peoples. Central Falls has historic significance as the site of a major battle during King Philip's War. It was here, on March 26, 1676, that Narragansett Indians ambushed Captain Michael Pierce and his Plymouth Colony troops. Nearly all those ambushed were killed, including nine taken prisoner and later tortured to death at nearby Cumberland. A stone memorial marks the mass grave at the site known as "Nine Men's Misery."
Explorers, Missions & Colonial Outposts
In the 18th century, Captain Stephen Jenks built a trip hammer and blacksmith shop along the Blackstone River, forming the nucleus of what eventually became Central Falls. Other manufacturers, including a chocolate maker, set up shop in the building, and the new village became known as Chocolateville. In 1824, Jenks suggested the name Central Falls, thus giving the village its permanent name. Central Falls was incorporated as a town in 1730.
From Empire to Nation: Transfers of Rule
Originally, Central Falls was one of the many villages within the town of Smithfield, but in 1871, having experienced a growth spurt, it split into three smaller towns: Smithfield, North Smithfield, and Lincoln. Central Falls then became part of the town of Lincoln. Lincoln experienced its own growth spurt, so in 1895 Lincoln split into two towns, giving rise to the city of Central Falls.
Rails, Roads & River Landings: Corridors That Sited Central Falls
Central Falls is located at 41.889863, -71.392606. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 1.3 square miles, of which 1.2 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. It is drained by the Blackstone River. The city went into receivership in May 2010, then filed for bankruptcy on August 1, 2011. After cutting jobs and services, it came out of bankruptcy in September 2012.
