Cranston

Cranston, Rhode Island encompasses 28 square miles, with 3 ˝ miles of shoreline along the Providence River where it begins to form Narragansett Bay. RI’s third largest city, Cranston reported a population of 79,269 in the Census 2000, with 2007 estimates of 81,479. Located just 4 miles south of the Capital City of Providence, Cranston is part of the thriving Providence Metropolitan Area. The city of Warwick and the town of Scituate form Cranston’s southern and western borders.

Rhode Island divides its five counties into four Superior Court jurisdictions: Kent, Washington, Newport, and Providence/Bristol (with Providence/Bristol comprising one jurisdiction). Cranston is part of Providence County. Rhode Island's unified state court system, the Superior Court, has original jurisdiction in all of Providence County’s felony proceedings, in civil suits where claims exceed $10,000, and in matters of equity.  The Superior Court also hears appeals on civil and criminal cases from the Providence County District Court. (Civil suits with claims from $5,000-$10,000 may be heard by the Superior Court or Providence County District Court.) Any appeal from a decision rendered in Superior Court is taken directly to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

If you have a personal injury case, a judge will hear your claim in civil court. This FAQ's section gives you information about civil lawsuits. If you are confused about the terms you hear while in court, you may find this list of common legal terms handy. Once you've gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the Rhode Island Superior Court or the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Cranston, RI began life as the village of Pawtuxet, (which still exists within the city), taking the name Cranston when it incorporated in 1910, after Gov. Samuel Cranston. The first settlers, in 1638, were the family and friends of Roger Williams, one of the founders of the Baptist Faith. One of these friends was William Arnold, who later sired infamous Benedict Arnold. Cranston made their city seal from Gov. Cranston’s coat of arms, three silver cranes on a red shield, with the motto   DUM VIGILO CURO, which translates as “While I watch, I care.”

Cranston in modern times presents a vibrant, flourishing, suburban city, with rural land available on the western side, and the peaceful river shoreline on the eastern. Found here are two of Rhode Island's most lavish shopping malls, Garden City Center and Chapel View. 

Children and athletic-minded adults make use of an astonishing array of parks and playing fields. With 25 baseball fields, 24 basketball courts, 19 tennis courts, 33 ‘tot parks’ for young children, a skate rink and Budlong Swimming Pool, one of the largest outdoor pools in the U.S., Cranston citizens stay in shape. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, and 5 other local and state parks are within 10 miles.

Cranston citizens hold two major events each year, the Gaspee Days Parade, celebrating the Revolutionary War battle, and the September Greek Festival, offering great food, fun and traditional Greek dancers. Visitors to these events can stop in at the historic Sprague Mansion, which comes complete with its own legendary lady ghost.

Cranston, Rhode Island is a family-conscious community. Far-sighted city leaders work to bring in new growth without damaging old values. Cranston residents enjoy the affluence and culture of Providence next door, while maintaining a small-city atmosphere.

Cranston Accidents News

EAST PROVIDENCE — Two backhoes dug and moved gravel for more than six hours yesterday behind an apartment complex in Riverside without finding the body of Joseph “Joe Onions” Scanlon, the victim of a gangland slaying 30 years ago.

I FEEL it is important to respond to the letter published on 13th November from someone who wished to remain anonymous, that implied that Coventry taxpayers would be left with a bill for the development of Coventry Airport. This is not the case.

CRANSTON, R.I. - An 87-year-old Cranston woman was struck and killed trying to cross a busy six-lane road.

CRANSTON, R.I. - An 87-year-old Cranston woman was struck and killed trying to cross a busy six-lane road. Family members of Luetta Burnham told The Providence Journal...