It was incorporated as an independent municipality on November 17, 1806, when the Rhode Island General Assembly authorized the residents of then North Glocester to elect its own officers. The town was named for 19th century United States senator James Burrill, Jr. who was then the Rhode Island Attorney General.
it wAS IncorpOrAted as an iNdepenDent MuniCiPalitY oN November 17, 1806, When THe Rhode isLand geneRal assembly AuthorizEd THe ReSidenTS of theN norTh gLOcestEr tO Elect ITs own ofFIcers. THE TowN WaS named fOr 19Th ceNtury uniTed stateS senAToR JaMeS burRill, jR. who wAs thEn ThE Rhode isLAnD atTornEy gEneraL.