Brenton Point State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brenton Point State Park |
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Park building (2017)
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 Brenton Point State Park
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, United States |
| Area | 88.9 acres (36.0 ha) |
| Elevation | 26 ft (7.9 m) |
| Established | 1976 |
| Governing body | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation |
| Website | Brenton Point State Park |
Brenton Point State Park is a fun place to visit in Newport, Rhode Island. It covers about 89 acres at the southwest end of Aquidneck Island. This state park offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. It's right next to the Newport Country Club. The park is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Staff from nearby Fort Adams State Park also help oversee it.
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What is the History of Brenton Point?
Brenton Point is named after Governor William Brenton. He was an early settler who owned this land in the 1600s. Brenton called his large farm "Hammersmith." This name is still used today for Hammersmith Farm, an estate on the point. This estate was later owned by the family of Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
How Was Brenton Point Used in Wars?
In 1776, during the American Revolution, soldiers set up a defense battery here. This helped protect the coast.
Later, between 1876 and 1883, a man named Theodore M. Davis built a large house. He called it "The Reefs." After he passed away, the estate changed hands.
During World War II, the government bought the property. They needed to build a coastal defense battery. This battery was part of the Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay. One of the original concrete bases for large guns is still there. Radar and searchlights were also in the area. A special battery with 90 mm guns was at Brenton Point from 1943 to 1944. After the war, the battery was taken apart. The estate was returned to its owners. However, the property was not kept up well.
When Did Brenton Point Become a State Park?
The old mansion was badly damaged by fire in 1960. It was then torn down in 1963. In 1969, the state of Rhode Island took over the property. This was part of Governor John Chafee's Green Acres program. Brenton Point was officially made a state park in 1974. It opened to the public for everyone to enjoy in 1976.
The building that used to be the laundry and servants' quarters is now the park's visitor center. It also houses the park rangers' office. The old carriage house and stables are still standing. However, they are fenced off for safety. Park rangers regularly check on them. There is also a stone observation tower. Park rangers and visitors use it to look out over the forest and ocean.
What Can You Do at Brenton Point State Park?
Brenton Point State Park offers many fun activities. You can have picnics with your family and friends. There are also paths for hiking and exploring. Many people enjoy fishing from the shore. It's also a very popular spot for flying kites. The park even hosts the annual Newport Kite Festival.
The park is open for fishermen to park after dark. However, park rangers strictly enforce all park rules. This is to make sure everyone stays safe and respects the park.
