Newport County

Newport County is an administrative region in Rhode Island's eastern section that includes mainland areas and Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay. It contains six municipalities: Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Tiverton, and Little Compton.

The county was established in 1703 and quickly became a major center for maritime trade and naval operations. Its importance as a harbor and military hub continued to grow through the American Revolution and beyond.

The grand mansions built by wealthy industrialists in the 1800s still dot the landscape as museums today. Walking through them, you see how the upper class lived during that era, with their lavish interiors and decorative choices.

The county's attractions and museums are spread across its six municipalities, so having transportation is helpful for exploring. You can rent a car or use public transit to move between different towns and sites.

Naval Station Newport and the Naval War College are located within the county, serving as a major center for advanced maritime military education. Few visitors realize how significant this military presence is to the region's identity and economy.

Location: Rhode Island

Inception: 1703

Capital city: Newport

Shares border with: Bristol County, Washington County, Kent County

GPS coordinates: 41.54195,-71.27585

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:58