Fort Greene (Newport, Rhode Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Greene |
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| Easton's Point, Newport, Rhode Island | |
 Fort Greene
Location in Rhode Island
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| Coordinates | 41°29′49″N 71°19′18″W / 41.49694°N 71.32167°W |
| Type | Coastal Defense |
| Site information | |
| Owner | City of Newport, Battery Park |
| Open to the public |
yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | circa 1794 |
| Built by | United States Army |
| In use | circa 1794-1815 |
| Materials | stone |
| Demolished | circa 1820 |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Fort Greene was a small fort in Newport, Rhode Island. It was built around 1794 at a place now called Battery Park. The fort was used during the War of 1812 to help protect the coast.
It was named after General Nathanael Greene. He was a famous general from the American Revolutionary War. General Greene was born in Rhode Island.
What Was Fort Greene?
Fort Greene was part of America's first plan to build forts along its coast. This plan, called the First System, started around 1794. Its goal was to protect important cities and harbors from attacks by sea.
The fort was built on a spot called Easton's Point. This area is now often known as The Point. In the 1700s, it was sometimes called North Point. Before Fort Greene, another defense called the North Battery stood there during the American Revolution.
Building and Design
Fort Greene was designed to hold about 12 cannons. It was also meant to house a company of about 100 soldiers. However, the fort was never fully finished.
It was described in 1811 as an "elliptical stone battery." This means it was a stone fort shaped like an oval. At that time, it was already in a "state of ruin," meaning it was falling apart.
Fort Greene's Role
During the War of 1812, soldiers from the Artillery Company of Newport were stationed at Fort Greene. They helped defend the area. Other forts in Newport at that time included the first Fort Adams and Fort Wolcott.
After the War of 1812, it seems Fort Greene was no longer used. Today, a curved seawall remains from the old fort. You can still see it at Battery Park.
