Fort Hamilton Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Hamilton Historic District
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| Location | Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1780 |
| Architect | Anne Louis de Tousard |
| MPS | Lighthouses of Rhode Island TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001158 |
| Added to NRHP | October 22, 2001 |
The Fort Hamilton Historic District is a special area that covers all of Rose Island in Newport, Rhode Island. This district includes the Rose Island Light (a lighthouse) and an old United States military fort. The fort was partly designed by Major Louis de Tousard. It was named after Alexander Hamilton, an important figure in early American history. Fort Hamilton was one of the first forts built to protect the US coastline.
Contents
History of Fort Hamilton
Early Beginnings and Construction
The very first defenses on Rose Island were built in 1780. This was during the American Revolutionary War, around the time of the Battle of Rhode Island. More construction happened between 1798 and 1801. However, most of the fort was not finished. Only a long building for soldiers, called a barracks, was mostly completed.
Fort Hamilton in the 1800s
In December 1811, a report from the Secretary of War described Fort Hamilton. It said the fort was "a regular unfinished work of masonry of four bastions." Bastions are parts of a fort that stick out, allowing defenders to see and shoot in different directions. The report also said the fort could hold 300 soldiers.
Later in the 1800s, Fort Hamilton was used as a quarantine station. This meant it was a place where ships and people were kept separate. This was done to stop the spread of diseases in the port of Newport. The island was also a popular spot for picnics during this time.
Military Use in the 20th Century
Starting in the late 1800s, Rose Island became part of the US Naval Torpedo Station. This was a place where the Navy tested torpedoes. During World War I and World War II, the fort was used to store ammunition. The US Navy also tested torpedoes using facilities on nearby Goat Island and Gould Island.
During World War II, anti-aircraft guns were added to the island. These guns were used to shoot down enemy planes. First, the Navy used 5-inch guns, and later the Army used 90 mm guns. In 2001, Fort Hamilton was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Images for kids
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Fort Hamilton, early plans from around 1800
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Fort Hamilton barracks building
