Charlestown is named after King Charles II, and was incorporated in 1738. The area was formerly part of the town of Westerly. It was in turn divided and the part north of the Pawcatuck River became the town of Richmond in 1747. As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 7,859 people, 3,178 households, and 2,278 families residing in the town. The population density was 213.3 people per square mile (82.4/km²). There were 4,797 housing units at an average density of 130.2/sq mi (50.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.26% White, 0.38% African American, 1.26% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population. For more information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlestown,_Rhode_Island