Jamestown was incorporated in 1678 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and transferred to Rhode Island in 1746. Jamestown includes Gould, Dutch, and Conanicut islands. Conanicut Island is the largest and only inhabited island. It is nine miles long by one mile wide and is 135 feet above sea level at its highest elevation. 

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Jamestown is approximately 10 minutes from Newport and accessible by car or ferry. Jamestown sits perched at the mouth of the Narragansett Bay, crowned by historic Beavertail Lighthouse. Over the Pell Bridge to the east is Newport and over the Jamestown Verrazano Bridge to the west is the mainland, Kingston.  

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Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Jamestown’s quaint village featuring unique shops and inviting restaurants or spend the day at the beach, kayaking, fishing, by visiting a lighthouse or windmill, or exploring the historic forts. There is a quiet rural character to much of the island. Even Jamestown's commercial center has the feel of a traditional village. A few farms remain, older neighborhoods are intact and historic properties, including lighthouses, windmills and the remains of old military fortifications, offer connection to the past. With its abundance of open space, lightly traveled roadways and pleasant views, the island is an excellent locale for walking and riding bicycles. The natural beauty of this 9.7 square mile island is what captures immediate attention.

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