Fort Hamilton (Rhode Island)

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Fort Hamilton
Part of First System of U.S. coastal fortifications
Rose Island, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, U.S.
Aerial view of Rose Island, looking northwest. - Fort Hamilton, Rose Island, Newport, Newport County, RI HAER RI-58-8.tif
Ariel view of Fort Hamilton, Rose Island
TypeCoastal defense fortification
Site information
Owner City of Newport, Rhode Island and Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation and Fort Hamilton Trust
Controlled by
Open to
the public		Yes
ConditionPartially intact; undergoing preservation
Site history
Built1798–1801
Built by United States Army Corps of Engineers
In use1798–1801 (construction); later as storage
MaterialsBrick, stone
Events American Revolutionary War, War of 1812
Garrison information
GarrisonUnited States Army (planned, but never fully operational)

Fort Hamilton is a historic First System coastal defense fortification located on Rose Island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, United States. Constructed between 1798 and 1801 as part of the first federal coastal defense initiative authorized by President John Adams, the fort was never fully completed. It is one of the last surviving First System forts in the nation and retains original bombproof barracks, bastions, and curtain walls. The site has also played roles in the American Revolutionary War and later served as an ammunition depot during the World Wars. [1] [2]

Contents

Today, Fort Hamilton is undergoing preservation efforts led by the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust and is open to the public for historical interpretation and educational programs. [2]

History

American Revolutionary War (1776–1781)

During the American Revolution, British forces occupied Newport, Rhode Island, from 1776 to 1779, establishing defensive positions throughout Narragansett Bay. Rose Island was fortified with a British battery to control maritime access to the harbor.

In 1780, after the British evacuated Newport, French forces under General Lafayette improved the island’s defenses as part of the Franco-American alliance. The French constructed a fortification with 40 pieces of heavy artillery, which contributed to the defensive network protecting Newport. [3]

Bombproof barracks, Fort Hamilton, Rose Island, 1968 Bomb-proof barracks, southwest corner from atop curtain wall, looking easterly. Two lightning rods can be seen in background. - Fort Hamilton, Bomb-Proof Barracks, Rose Island, Newport, HAER RI-58-A-1.tif
Bombproof barracks, Fort Hamilton, Rose Island, 1968

First System Construction (1798–1801)

In response to growing tensions with France during the Quasi-War, President John Adams authorized the purchase of Rose Island for military use in 1799. Designed by French military engineer Louis Tousard, Fort Hamilton was intended to be the largest defensive structure in Narragansett Bay. Planned features included:

However, in 1801, newly elected President Thomas Jefferson reduced federal military spending, leading to the cancellation of Fort Hamilton’s construction before its completion. The fort never became operational, though it remains a rare example of an intact First System fort. [4]

Torpedo filling station, Rose Island, 1968 Torpedo filling station (building 31), west elevation. - Fort Hamilton, Rose Island, Newport, Newport County, RI HAER RI-58-15.tif
Torpedo filling station, Rose Island, 1968

Later Uses (19th–20th Century)

Although Fort Hamilton never served its intended military role, the site remained under U.S. government control for nearly two centuries. It was primarily used for ammunition storage during World War I and World War II, with bombproof barracks repurposed as storage facilities.

In the 20th century, the U.S. government transferred ownership of Rose Island in multiple phases. The City of Newport, Rhode Island and the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust now oversee preservation efforts.

Preservation Efforts

Main Article: Fort Hamilton Historic District

Since the late 20th century, Fort Hamilton has been the focus of historic preservation efforts. It is part of the Fort Hamilton Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2001. [1] Key preservation efforts include:

Connection to HMS Endeavour

Main Article: HMS Endeavour

The site has a direct link to the HMS Endeavour, the famed ship used by Captain James Cook. During the Revolutionary War, the British scuttled the ship off the northeast coast of Rose Island in 1776 to block French naval access. This connection further enhances Fort Hamilton’s historical significance in maritime and military history. [5]

See Also

References

  1. 1 2 Youngken, Richard C and Charlotte E. Johnson, “Fort Hamilton Historic District,” National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1995).
  2. 1 2 "Rose Island, Newport Rhode Island". Rose Island Final. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
  3. ↑ Robertson, John K. (2023). Revolutionary War Defenses in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Publications Society.
  4. ↑ Chartrand, René (2012-02-20). Forts of the War of 1812. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN   978-1-84908-577-9.
  5. ↑ "A Shipwreck in Rhode Island Appears to Actually Be Captain Cook's Long-Lost Ship". Popular Mechanics. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2025-03-07.
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