Fort Getty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Getty |
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| Jamestown, Newport, Rhode Island in United States | |
A 12-inch disappearing gun, like the ones once at Fort Getty
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 Fort Getty
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| Coordinates | 41°29′26″N 71°23′56″W / 41.49056°N 71.39889°W |
| Type | Fort |
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Fort Getty is a cool park in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It's located on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. For many years, from 1900 until after World War II, it was a military fort. Now, the town of Jamestown owns it. They've turned it into a fun park, mostly used for camping.
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History of Fort Getty
Building the Fort
Construction on Fort Getty began in 1901. Its main job was to protect the western side of Narragansett Bay. This was part of a bigger plan called the Coast Defenses of Narragansett Bay.
The fort was named after Colonel George W. Getty. He was a brave soldier who fought in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
The Big Guns of Fort Getty
Fort Getty had three main gun batteries. They were finished by 1905, but officially ready in 1910.
- Battery Tousard: This battery had three huge 12-inch guns. These guns were on special mounts that could hide them after firing.
- Battery House: This one had two 6-inch guns on pedestal mounts. These mounts held the guns up high.
- Battery Whiting: This battery had two 3-inch guns, also on pedestal mounts.
Each battery was named after an important military person. Battery Tousard was named for Louis de Tousard, an early American engineer. Battery House was named for Major General James House. Battery Whiting was named for Levi Whiting.
Fort Getty During the Wars
After it was built, Fort Getty was mostly quiet. But it became active during World War I. It served as a smaller base for Fort Greble.
By the start of World War II, new forts like Fort Church and Fort Greene became more important. So, in 1942, the big 12-inch guns at Fort Getty were removed. The 6-inch guns were moved to Fort Varnum, and the 3-inch guns went to Fort Burnside.
During World War II, Fort Getty was used as a camp for German prisoners. Later, in 1943, new 90 mm guns arrived. These were used to defend against small, fast enemy boats.
In 1948, Fort Getty was officially closed down. Most US coast defenses were closed around this time.
Visiting Fort Getty Today
Today, Fort Getty is a popular park. You can visit Dutch Island, which was once Fort Greble, by taking a short boat ride from the park.
The park is a great place for camping. It has many spots for RVs and tents. You can still see parts of the old gun batteries, even though some have been covered up.
