Although technically a village within the town of Little Compton, Adamsville has been a vibrant, independent community since its founding in the 1600s. Its location at the head of a river and along an overland route connecting New Bedford to Newport made it an important center for commerce and trade. Over the years, dozens of small stores have come and gone from the community, selling dry goods, clothing, even moonshine. They served not just as stores, but as post offices, men’s hangouts, and even taverns. Adamsville's large mill pond, which provided power to the local mills, is also an important part of the community's economic history.

Today, the village is redefining itself in the twenty first century, serving as a home to both year-round and summer residents as well as continuing to be the business center of the community.