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Cranston, Rhode Island

Located in Providence County, Rhode Island, Cranston was founded in 1636. Rhode Island's third-largest city. Named for Samuel Cranston, longest-serving colonial RI governor.
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Founded 1636 | Population 82,000 | Peak 82,000 (2024) | County Providence County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Cranston, Rhode Island

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1636 Founded: One of oldest RI communities.
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1910 Incorporated: Providence suburb.
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2010 Modern Era: Cranston continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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2020 Modern Growth: Cranston continued to grow as part of its metropolitan area.
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Latest News in Cranston

May 29, 2026
She Was Born On A Former Slave Plantation And Faced Severe Poverty But Today She’s A Household Name
Long before Viola Davis became one of Hollywood’s most decorated performers, her early life was defined by extreme poverty, inst…

Complete Historical Timeline

1636 Culture
Founded
1910 Government
Incorporated
2010 Culture
Modern Era
2020 Culture
Modern Growth

Did You Know?

1
Rhode Island's third-largest city.
2
Named for Samuel Cranston, longest-serving colonial RI governor.
3
Garden City was one of New England's first shopping centers.
4
Cranston is located in Providence County, Rhode Island.
5
Cranston was founded in 1636.

Famous People from Cranston, Rhode Island

OC
Olivia Culpo
Actor, Celebrity · Born May 8, 1992 · Age 33
RA
Robert Aldrich
Screenwriter, Writer · Born Aug 9, 1918 · Died Dec 5, 1983 (age 65)
EH
Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Television Presenter, Journalist · Born May 28, 1977 · Age 48
SK
Steven Klein
Photographer, Cinematographer · Born Apr 30, 1965 · Age 60
WI
William Sprague IV
Politician · Born Sep 12, 1830 · Died Sep 11, 1915 (age 84)

Other Cities in Rhode Island

View all Rhode Island cities →
P
Providence
Pop. 196,657
W
Warwick
Pop. 82,000
P
Pawtucket
Pop. 75,000
EP
East Providence
Pop. 48,000
W
Woonsocket
Pop. 44,000
N
Newport
Pop. 25,163
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