Fort Wetherill is one of the most interesting historical sites in Rhode Island. Back in the Revolutionary War, the fort served as an important defense point overlooking Narragansett Bay. After World War II, the fort was turned over to the state. The area around the fort is now Fort Wetherill State Park, a 51-acre reservation.
The cliff that the fort sits on was named Dumpling Rock. The modern fort was constructed in 1895, but Dumpling Rock originally housed a small eight gun fort that alternately housed American, British, and French armies during the Revolutionary War.
The fort was named for Captain Alexander Macomb Wetherill, a native of Jamestown who was killed in the Battle of Sam Juan Hill.
After World War I, the fort was reverted to "caretaker status," with only one sergeant assign to watch over the area. In 1946, the military completely left the area and it was abandoned for a quarter century after.
In 1972, the State of Rhode Island obtained the land and designated it as a state park. It serves as a popular location for hikers, scuba divers, and explorers.
Most of the fort's buildings are now covered in graffiti.
Some of the fort's areas are now blocked off with fences, but most is still visible from designated walking paths.
It is difficult to imagine that this colorful area ever served as a wartime fort!
The spray painted artwork serves a stark contrast to the beautiful and pristine natural views that are abundant looking over the bay.
Fort Wetherill is such a unique piece of history - the fort itself looks pretty spooky in its current abandoned state, but the state park's views are absolutely stunning.
How do you feel about the graffiti on the fort? Does it add to the charm or should it be removed to preserve the fort's historical value? Share your opinions in the comments!
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