Despite being the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island has plenty of interesting historical sites as well as hauntingly beautiful locations.
These locations entice the curious with their tales of bygone eras, from the ruins of military forts that whisper tales of bygone conflicts to amusement parks that today only entertain the sounds of nature.
These are five such fascinating abandoned locations in Rhode Island that provide a window into the rich and fascinating history of the state:
Fort Mansfield
Napatree Point was named for Dutch explorer Adrian Block in 1614. After sailing along Long Island Sound, he dubbed the little land spit that protruded from Watch Hill “Nap of Trees” because of its heavily forested look (which was completely blown away in the Great Gale of 1815).
The 1.5-mile peninsula is made up of a barrier beach that was the site of a heavily fortified coastal military installation at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as a tiny settlement of summer cottages built between the 1920s and 1930s at the crest of a dune facing the ocean.
Napatree gained notoriety in particular for the tragic deaths that occurred during the 1938 hurricane.
Today, visitors to Napatree Point enjoy a peaceful promenade among the eerie, slowly crumbling remains of the Fort Mansfield cannons near the tip of the point. Some of the cannons have graffiti and are constantly being reclaimed by wind and ocean.
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Fort Wetherill
In 1855, President Grover named the Endicott Board. Its job was to judge if the coastal defenses of the United States were adequate. It was composed of civilians and members of the Army and Navy.
This finding led to the construction of numerous coastal defenses around the nation during the Endicott Period. The site of the former Fort Dumpling is where Fort Wetherill was constructed in this chronology.
Many of the sites have gates, however it seems like this is mostly for aesthetic reasons because paths lead to gaps in the fence that are rarely fixed.
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Crook Point Bascule Bridge
There is only one road leading into and out of Dawson, a coal town from the early 1900s that was abandoned after two devastating mining explosions claimed hundreds of lives. The little dirt road leads to the cemetery, which is the only surviving artifact in the village.
This beautiful resting place is home to the victims of the mining disasters in 1913 and 1923, many of them were young immigrants hoping for a brighter life in the United States.
The ground at the foot of different buttes is covered in hundreds of twisted white crosses and rusting iron gates.
One of Rhode Island’s easier-to-find abandoned locations is the Creek Point Bridge. From the nearby road, the bridge is clearly visible as it looms over the river.
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Pawtucket-Central Falls Train Station
The Pawtucket/Central Falls station, located in the Rhode Island cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls, is a defunct train stop. Built in 1915 and opened in 1916, the station was once the destination of trains operated by the New Haven Railroad. In this game, there are four courses and two island platforms.
The station’s deteriorating condition led to its decommissioning in 1959. After the station closed, the platforms remained accessible until 1981, when a new station was constructed to serve the area in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
There is no public access to the station, and a new project is in the works for the location. The facility is still in a condition of disrepair despite the intentions, yet it still presents fantastic photo opportunities.
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Belton Court
Built in 1905, Belton Court was the new home of Zion Bible College in 1985. When Zion Bible College left the area in 2008, the land was sold to a developer, but nothing has happened to it since.
The property and dorms have deteriorated, and the mansion is now covered in broken glass and graffiti. The Barrington Police Department keeps watch on the site, which is off-limits to the general public.
The increased police presence is understandable given that Melon Court is one of Rhode Island’s more well-known abandoned locations.
Final Words
The deserted sites in Rhode Island provide insight into the state’s complex past. These locations pique curiosity and inspire the imagination, from the abandoned amusement park resonating with the sounds of nature to the decaying military walls whispering tales of conflict.
Therefore, Rhode Island’s abandoned treasures offer a distinctive and compelling encounter for both history aficionados and urban explorers. Just keep in mind to show consideration for others and proceed at your own risk, as some areas can be off-limits or dangerous to enter.
