Hannah Robinson Tower facts for kids
The Hannah Robinson Tower is a tall wooden tower in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. It stands about 40 feet (12 meters) high. You can find it where U.S. Route 1 and Route 138 meet. The tower was built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group that helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. It was rebuilt in 1988, using the same strong base.
The tower is named after Hannah Robinson (1746–1773). She was a young woman from a wealthy family in colonial Narragansett, Rhode Island. Hannah fell in love with Peter Simon, a local teacher. Her father did not approve of their relationship. Despite this, Hannah married Peter and moved to Providence, Rhode Island. She faced hard times and became very ill. Her father, who had been against her marriage, brought her home. On the way, Hannah asked to stop at McSparran Hill to see her homeland one last time. She died soon after.
Today, the land around the tower is a public open space. It is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. This area serves as a special memorial to Hannah Robinson.
Contents
The Story of Hannah Robinson
Who Was Hannah Robinson?
Hannah Robinson was born in 1746. Her father, Rowland Robinson Jr., was an important person in the Narragansett community. He was a wealthy landowner. Hannah's father was born in 1719. His family came from England. Rowland Jr. married Anstis Gardiner in 1741. They had three children, and Hannah was one of their daughters.
Hannah met Peter Simon, who taught French and dancing in Newport, Rhode Island. They fell in love. Hannah's father did not think Peter was a good match for his daughter. He tried to keep them apart. However, most of Hannah's family supported her and Peter. They even helped Peter get a teaching job.
A Secret Marriage and Hard Times
One night, Hannah's father found Peter hiding near her window. After this, Hannah was not allowed to see Peter or leave her home. But Hannah was determined, just like her father. During a trip to a ball, Hannah and Peter escaped with help from Hannah's mother. Her father was very angry. He even offered a reward for information about who helped them.
Peter and Hannah moved to Providence, Rhode Island. They had nine children. Life was very difficult for them, and they were very poor. Peter believed Hannah would not get any money from her family. He eventually left her. Hannah was heartbroken and became very ill.
A Sad Return Home
Hannah's mother sent her some things from home, including her pet dog and her childhood maid, also named Hannah. Hannah stayed in Providence for a few more years. Her father offered to let her come home if she told him who helped her escape. Hannah finally agreed, but she was already very sick.
Her father, Rowland Robinson, rode from his home to Providence to bring Hannah back. When he saw how ill she was, all his anger disappeared. He felt very sad. On the way home, Hannah asked her father to stop at James McSparran's farm. This spot overlooked Narragansett Bay and her home area. She wanted to sit on the rocks and look at her homeland one last time. Hannah Robinson died on October 30, 1773, at only 27 years old.
The Tower and Its History
Building the Tower
In 1938, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a new watch tower where Hannah Robinson had looked over her homeland. This first tower was 100 feet (30 meters) tall and made of wood. It was built on strong pillars. During World War II, the tower was used as an observation post. From the top, on a clear day, you could see the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay.
The cube-shaped rock where Hannah sat is still on the former McSparran farm. In 1966, the owner sold this land, about 1.52 acres, to Preserve Rhode Island. This area, including the rock and the tower, became a preserved space to remember Hannah Robinson.
The Tower Today
In 1988, the state rebuilt the tower. They used the original pillars from the first structure. The tower you see today is 40 feet (12 meters) tall and has four stories. It stands as a lasting memorial to Hannah Robinson and her story.
