Fort Adams State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Adams State Park |
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 Fort Adams State Park
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, United States |
| Area | 200 acres (81 ha) |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Governing body | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation, and the United States Department of Defense |
| Website | Fort Adams State Park |
Fort Adams State Park is a fun place to visit in Newport, Rhode Island. It's a public park that protects Fort Adams. This fort is a very large old military building. It sits right at the entrance of Newport Harbor. The fort was used by the military from 1841 until the mid-1900s. Today, the park is famous for hosting big music events. These include the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival. It's also home to Sail Newport and the historic Eisenhower House.
A Glimpse into the Past
The land where Fort Adams State Park now stands has a long history. It was first owned by a person named William Brenton. He called this area "Hammersmith." This name is still used today for the nearby Hammersmith Farm.
Fort Adams was a military base for many years. It was very important for protecting the harbor. In 1965, the State of Rhode Island took over Fort Adams. They turned it into a state park for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Fort Adams State Park offers many exciting activities. You can see amazing views of the harbor and Narragansett Bay. It's a great spot for swimming and boating. You can also have picnics with your family and friends. The park has big fields for sports.
Sports and Rugby
The park is home to the Joseph "Jay" Kirwin Memorial Rugby Pitch. This is where the Newport Rugby Football Club plays. Rugby teams from Salve Regina University also use this field. Besides the special rugby pitch, there are two other fields. These can be used for both soccer and rugby. Every summer, the park hosts the annual Newport Rugby Sevens Tournament.
Exploring the Fort
The Fort Adams Trust offers guided tours of the fort. You can explore the main Fort Adams building. You can also see the Fort Adams Advanced Southern Redoubt. This is another part of the fort's defenses. The tours also include the Eisenhower House. This house was once called the "Summer White House." It was used by President Eisenhower.
