The Rhode Island Fort Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed

Have you ever passed an abandoned home or building and just stopped for a moment? Maybe you wondered what this forgotten place once looked like, what the people who lived or worked there were like, and what happened that this building became little more than a piece of history, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Abandoned places often set our imaginations on fire. Get an up-close look at an abandoned fort in Rhode Island that boasts a rich history but, like so much, has been lost to time.

Rhode Islanders and visitors have been flocking to Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown since 1972 when it became a popular spot for hiking, boating, and picnicking.

Google/Rhonda The compact state park offers sensational views of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. Fans of boating come here to watch a variety of boating events, including America’s Cup races.

The state park is small, spanning just 61.5 acres, but it boasts a full menu of fun and is a fascinating piece of the past. After all, you can explore what remains of Fort Wetherill.

Google/Dave A. Fort Wetherill State Park is located across the water from Fort Adams State Park.

With 100-foot cliffs that offer stellar views of the water, the land that now houses the state park was an ideal location for a fort, providing a strategic defensive position.

Google/Jessica Forte

Fort Wetherill’s history dates back to the Revolutionary War and was originally known as Fort Dumpling. It was later changed to Wetherhill in honor of a local named Alexander, a captain who was killed during the Spanish-American War.

Google/Shobha Vissapragada

The fort was reinforced and used for training during World War Il before going dormant after the war. In 1970, it was officially named a surplus facility and eventually was purchased by Rhode Island for use as a state park.

Google/Christine Melendez

If you’re up for an adventure, slip on a pair of hiking shoes and follow the nearly one-mile trail that leads to the abandoned fort. Check out the many rooms left abandoned.

Google/Joshua Setow

Be prepared for somewhat of a challenge as the path isn’t usually maintained and can be overgrown. If you can deal with that, you’re in for a unique experience.

Google/Constantine Manolagas

Pups are allowed along the trail, too, as long as they remain leashed.

Google/Ron Gagne

Learn more on the Fort Wetherill State Park website.

Google/Jessica Michaund

Have you explored this Rhode Island fort? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you want to walk among ghosts (if you’re lucky), plan a visit to the most haunted mansion in Rhode Island (and maybe even in the country).

Google/Rhonda

The compact state park offers sensational views of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. Fans of boating come here to watch a variety of boating events, including America’s Cup races.

Google/Dave A.

Fort Wetherill State Park is located across the water from Fort Adams State Park.