Originally a part of Providence, Johnston became a separate town and was incorporated in 1759. It was named in honor of Augustus Lucas Johnston, of Newport, Attorney General of Rhode Island from 1758 to 1766. He owned much of the land in this area. The first settler was Thomas Clemence who built a house c.1680, which still stands at 38 George Waterman Road, and is known as the Clemence-Irons House.
Today, while a few colonial farm houses dot the landscape, Johnston has mainly given way to suburban development.
Johnston is located in Providence County just west of Providence along Highway 6 off I295 near Swamp Oak and Almy Reservoirs.
