The Town of Charlestown is located on the southern coast of Rhode Island. The town is known for its beaches, and the annual population of 8,500 residents swells to over 45,000 during the summer months. Charlestown includes the lands of the Narragansett Tribe of Indians. Also included are portions of the villages of Carolina and Shannock, which span the boundary with the town of Richmond. Charlestown was originally known as "King's County," and was a part of the Town of Westerly, Rhode Island. "King's County" was split off and incorporated as the Town Of Charlestown on August 22, 1738. The town is in Washington County, known as "South County."