Despair Island facts for kids

Despair Island is a small, rocky island located in Narragansett Bay in Newport County, Rhode Island. It sits between Hope Island and Prudence Island. This island is known for its many rock formations, which are a favorite spot for nesting birds like gulls and terns.

Discovering Despair Island

Despair Island is a tiny piece of land in the beautiful Narragansett Bay. It is part of Newport County in Rhode Island. Even though it is small, it plays an important role for local wildlife.

Where is Despair Island Located?

You can find Despair Island right in the middle of Narragansett Bay. It is positioned between two other islands, Hope Island and Prudence Island. Its location makes it a unique part of the bay's landscape.

Why is Despair Island Hard to See?

Despair Island can be quite tricky to spot, especially during the day. It is barely visible when the tide is high. At night, its pile of rocks can be almost impossible to tell apart from the water. Because of this, a special buoy marks the island to warn boats. It is important for sailors to be careful around this area.

Home to Many Birds

The island is made up of many rocky outcroppings. These rocks are used a lot by nesting birds. You can often see gulls and terns making their homes here. The island provides a safe place for these birds to lay their eggs and raise their young.

The History of Despair Island's Name

The famous founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, gave Despair Island its name. He also named other islands in Narragansett Bay. Children in Colonial times even had a special song to help them remember the names of these islands:

This rhyme shows how important these islands were, even long ago!