Westerly, Coastal community in Washington County, Rhode Island
Westerly sits at the southwestern tip of Rhode Island and extends along the Pawcatuck River with three large salt ponds near its white sandy beaches. The area combines waterways, natural salt water basins, and coastal landscapes.
The Narragansett people lived in the area until 1637, when English colonists began settling and officially founded the town in 1661. The place later developed into a major center for granite quarrying and processing.
The pink granite quarried here shaped the town's identity for generations, with the stone used in government buildings along the eastern United States coast. Visitors can still see traces of this heritage in local architecture and monuments.
The Amtrak Station connects the town to larger cities, while beaches are accessible via Route 1 and several state roads. The best time to visit is during warmer months when beaches are active and ferry services run regularly.
The three salt ponds - Maschaug, Winnapaug, and Quonochontaug - form natural basins that create the town's white beaches. These water bodies support local fishing and attract various bird species year-round.
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