Fort Wetherill
Fortress by the Sea
State: Rhode Island
County: Newport County
Founded: 1900
Abandoned: 1970
Peak Population: 500
Fort Wetherill was built to defend Narragansett Bay. Massive granite walls, gun emplacements, and underground bunkers housed hundreds of soldiers. When coastal defense became obsolete, the fort was abandoned. Today, the dramatic ruins are a state park popular with divers and climbers.
Coastal Defense
The fort protected Newport and the bay from naval attack. Huge 12-inch guns could reach ships miles out to sea.
State Park
The abandoned fortifications became a state park. The granite walls and bunkers can be explored, and the cliffs are popular for diving.
Timeline
- 1900 - Built Fort construction completed
- 1940s - WWII Peak military use
- 1970 - Decommissioned Military left
- 1972 - State Park Became public parkland
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 2 hours
Quick Facts
- Granite walls are 30 feet thick
- Popular for scuba diving and rock climbing
- Gun emplacements still visible
Location
Address: Fort Wetherill State Park, Jamestown, Rhode Island
Coordinates: 41.4775, -71.3617