Beavertail State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beavertail State Park |
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 Beavertail State Park
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Jamestown, Newport, Rhode Island, United States |
| Area | 153 acres (62 ha) |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Established | 1980 |
| Governing body | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation |
| Website | Beavertail State Park |
Beavertail State Park is a public park located at the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. This park covers 153 acres and is famous for its active Beavertail Lighthouse. The lighthouse tower you see today was built in 1856.
During World War II, the park area was part of a military base called Fort Burnside. This fort was one of many built to protect Narragansett Bay. Today, Beavertail State Park is a great place for hiking, having picnics, and fishing in the ocean.
Park History
The Lighthouse Story
The first lighthouse at Beavertail was a wooden tower built in 1749. Sadly, it burned down in 1753. A new tower made of stone was built to replace it. This stone tower was used until 1856. That's when the current lighthouse tower and the keeper's house were finished.
The house where the assistant lighthouse keeper lived was built in 1898. Today, this building is home to the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. You can visit it to learn more about the lighthouse's history!
Coastal Forts and World War II
During the American Revolutionary War in 1776, a fort called Beaver Tail Fort was built here. It worked with another fort nearby to protect the area. British forces captured these forts in 1778. After the British left in 1779, American and French soldiers used them.
Later, in 1942, during World War II, a new military base called Fort Burnside was set up. It was part of the defenses for Narragansett Bay. By late 1943, the fort had powerful guns. It had two 6-inch (152 mm) guns and two 3-inch (76 mm) guns. The larger guns were placed in shielded areas with underground ammunition storage.
A special building was also constructed at Fort Burnside. It was a joint Army-Navy control post, but it was disguised to look like a regular seaside mansion! This helped hide its true purpose. Fort Burnside also had a special Navy station that could detect submarines. After the war ended, the guns at Fort Burnside were removed in 1948.
A Radio Station
From about 1960 to 1974, a part of the old Fort Burnside was used as a Naval Radio Station. It was called NAVRADSTA Jamestown and was part of a larger Navy communication system. This station had a very tall radio tower, about 600 feet (180 meters) high.
Becoming a State Park
The land for Beavertail State Park was once owned by the federal government. In 1980, it was declared extra land, and the state of Rhode Island created Beavertail State Park.
Today, the park is a popular spot for many activities. People come here to enjoy the beautiful views, go hiking along the coast, and have picnics. It's also a great place for saltwater fishing. The park often offers special nature programs during different seasons.
