The Towers (Narragansett, Rhode Island) facts for kids
|
The Towers
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 35 Ocean Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Built | 1883 |
| Architect | McKim, Mead, and White |
| Part of | Towers Historic District (ID82000021) |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000001 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1969 |
| Designated CP | August 18, 1982 |
The Towers is a historic structure located at 35 Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA. It is the only remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino built in the 1880s. On November 25, 1969, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
History (1883–1900)
The Narragansett Pier Casino was the center of social life in Narragansett during the late 19th century. The Narragansett Pier Casino rivaled the Newport Casino’s popularity as a resort for the social elite until it burned to the ground in 1900.
Built between 1883–1886, the Narragansett Pier Casino was a fine example of Victorian Shingle style architecture (a variation of Queen Anne style architecture in the United States), designed by McKim, Mead, and White. The Casino offered a variety of sports, including boating, tennis, billiards, bowling, cards, and shooting, restaurants, stores, reading rooms, a theater, a bandstand, a ballroom, and a beautiful beach.
The Narragansett Pier Casino thrived during the Gilded Age until it burned down during the Great Fire of September 12, 1900. That day, a fire broke out in the neighboring Rockingham Hotel. The flames spread quickly to the Casino, leaving only the granite walls of The Towers standing. More recently Hurricane Sandy has uncovered the foundation and part of the old boardwalk belonging to the old casino that had been buried by sand.
Recent history
Today, having survived a number of fires, nor'easters, and hurricanes, the Narragansett Towers are the only remaining part of the original Narragansett Pier Casino. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Narragansett, The Towers currently hosts weddings, dances, dinners, plays, and fashion shows. Its location, adjacent to Narragansett town beach, makes it an ideal venue for social events.
-
Narragansett towers attached to the casino, ca. 1885
-
Narragansett Casino ruins and lifeguard station, ca. 1905 after the fire destroyed most of the complex
-
-
