TIVERTON

town (township), Newport county, eastern Rhode Island, U.S. It lies along the Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay, opposite Portsmouth and Bristol. Originally a part of Plymouth colony and named for Tiverton, Devon, Eng., it was annexed to Rhode Island in 1746 and was incorporated in 1747. Southwest of Tiverton Four Corners, the Battle of Almy's Pea Field was fought during King Philip's (Indian) War in July 1675. During the American Revolution Fort Barton, on Tiverton Heights, was a mustering point for American forces prior to the Battle of Rhode Island (1778). Farming, fishing, and boatbuilding were early activities, and textile mills were established in 1827. Agriculture and tourism are the economic mainstays. Area 29 square miles (76 square km). Pop. (1990) 14,312; (1996 est.) 14,192.