Woonsocket (/wʊnˈsɒkɪt, wən-/ ⓘ wuun-SOK-it, wən-[6]), is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States.

It is home to Landmark Medical Center, the Museum of Work and Culture, and the American-French Genealogical Society.

[7] Before the arrival of European settlers in northern Rhode Island during the 17th century, today's Woonsocket region was inhabited by three Native American tribes: the Nipmuc (Cowesett), Wampanoag, and Narragansett.

[8] In 1661, the English theologian Roger Williams purchased the area from the "Coweset and Nipmucks", and in a letter referred to modern day Woonsocket as Niswosakit.

With the Blackstone River providing ample water power, the region became a prime location for textile mills.

In 1871, three additional industrial villages[12] from Smithfield– Hamlet, Bernon, and Globe, were added to the town, establishing its present boundaries.

The growth of industries and associated jobs attracted numerous immigrants, predominantly Québecois and French-Canadians from other provinces.

French-language newspapers were published; radio programs, movies, and most public conversations were conducted in French.

During the Great Depression the textile economy of Woonsocket came to an effective standstill; however, it was revived during World War II.

The city became a major center of fabric manufacturing for the war effort, including production of military uniforms.

In the postwar years, the Woonsocket economy diversified as manufacturing declined, and other commercial sectors, such as retail, technology and financial services took hold.

[16] Beginning in 1979, Woonsocket sponsored Autumnfest, an annual cultural festival that takes place on Columbus Day weekend, at World War II Veteran's Memorial State Park.

Adjacent communities include Blackstone and Bellingham, Massachusetts, along with Cumberland and North Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Being influenced by both the sea and the interior during winter, diurnal temperature variation is relatively high, with days most often being above freezing before severe frosts hit at night.

In March 2013, The Washington Post reported that one-third of Woonsocket's population used food stamps, putting local merchants on a "boom or bust" cycle each month when EBT payments were deposited.