Little Compton is located on the Commons and was incorporated in 1682 by Plymouth Colony. In 1747, the town received a royal decree and was annexed to Newport County, along with the neighboring towns of Tiverton and Bristol.

Since Little Compton was once part of the Plymouth colony, all probate and land records prior to 1746 can be found in Taunton and New Bedford. According to land evidence, the town's land originally belonged to the Sakonnet tribe, which means "the black goose comes."

The Town Clerk's office in Town Hall is the focal pont of contact between the public and town administration. The office holds public records, records meeting minutes, handles marriage and dog linceses, issues transfer station coupons and dump stickers, issues passports. The office certifies and seals official town documents, records deeds and serves as the Registrar of Voters.

The Town Council Chambers are on the second floor of Little Compton Town Hall. The council is comprised of 5 members, headed by President Robert Mushen. Meetings are held on the first Thursday after the first Monday of every month at 7 pm, and on the third Thursday at 7 pm.

Judge Sidney Clifford, Jr. holds probate court sessions at 2 pm on the third Monday of every month at Town Hall.

The Board of of Tax Assessors determine the amount of property taxes due from property owners based on the most recent year's assessment of all town real estate.

Mary-Jane Harrington serves as the town treasurer, which also covers the tax collector's office. Real property taxes are due on Sept. 15, Dec. 15, March 15 and June 15. Tangile property taxes are due annually on Sept. 15.

Various boards and commissions, including the Conservation Commission and the Planning Boad, meet at Town Hall. For more information, visit the town's website.