Warwick was founded in 1642 by Samuel Gorton when the Narragansett Indian Chief Sachem Miantonomi agreed to accept 144 fathoms of Wampumpeague for a portion of land, which also included the cities of West Warwick and Coventry. This purchase is known as “The Shawhomett Purchase”.

Warwick prides itself on being the site of the first violent act against the crown (arguably the first blood of the Resolution; even before the famous shot hear round the world). That is the burning of the HMS Gaspee, during which Lt. Duddingston was shot by a musket. Gaspee Days have been celebrated in Warwick every year for the past 44 years to commemorate this event.

Warwick is known in modern times for its heavily trafficed Route 2, which is a major commercial corridor in the state; featuring many restaurants and the always popular Warwick mall. For this reason Route 2 has been aptly nicknamed, by some, “Rhode Island’s main street”.