Rose Island (Rhode Island) facts for kids
Rose Island is a small island, about 18.5-acre (7.5 ha) in size. It's located in Narragansett Bay, near Newport, Rhode Island, in the United States. People say it got its name "Rose Island" because when the water is low, the island looks a bit like a rose. You can only get to the island by boat. A special group called the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation takes care of the island and its lighthouse.
Contents
Exploring Rose Island's Past
Early History and Fortifications
Long ago, the Native Americans called Rose Island "Conockonoquit." During the American Revolution, which was a war for independence, people built defenses on the island. Later, in 1798, the U.S. government started building a place called Fort Hamilton on Rose Island. They never finished it completely, but soldiers from the U.S. Infantry were stationed there. You can still see the stone buildings from the fort today.
Rose Island During World Wars
During World War I and World War II, the U.S. Navy used Rose Island to store explosives. This was part of the Naval Torpedo Station. After World War II ended, the government stopped using most of the island, except for the lighthouse. They said it was "government surplus," meaning they didn't need it anymore. In 2001, the old, abandoned fort was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
The Rose Island Lighthouse
A Guiding Light for Ships
The Rose Island Light was built in 1870. For a hundred years, it helped guide ships safely through the water. But in 1970, after the Newport Bridge was built, the lighthouse was turned off because it wasn't needed as much anymore.
Saving the Lighthouse
In 1984, some people who cared about the lighthouse started a group called the Newport Lighthouse Foundation. Their goal was to save and protect it. By 2008, the lighthouse had been fixed up to look just like it did in the Victorian era, which was a long time ago.
Staying at the Lighthouse
Today, visitors can actually pay to stay at the lighthouse! You can spend a night or even a whole week there, pretending to be a lighthouse keeper. It's a unique way to experience history.
Images for kids
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Rose Island with the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge visible in the background
