The story of the Rose Island lighthouse begins in the mid-1860’s at a time when the state of Rhode Island was growing and shipping traffic was increasing on the Narragansett bay. Steamship companies were building up during this time, ferrying passengers and freight in the bay between Newport, New York and Boston. As a result, a request to construct a lighthouse on Rose Island was made and in 1869 construction began.
Today, the Rose Island lighthouse is completely restored and is open to the public during the spring and summer as a witness to maritime life and history of the late 19th and early 20th century. Today the building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is preserved in all its glory, forever.
Greet each day while sipping hot coffee or tea and bask in the beauty of spectacular sunrises seen along the coast of Newport. Then just before sunset, take in the day’s golden radiance as the sun sinks below the horizon creating silhouettes of the homes, boats and working wharves of Newport.
During your stay, be sure to “walk in the steps of the lightkeeper” by making the journey to the top of the lighthouse – up to a place where magnificent seascapes surround you.
Just steps away from the curtain wall of the old fort and beach front, the fortified barracks room features newly restored windows and mahogany doors that open to a small patio, lawn area and Adirondack chairs. Sleep in the restored bomb-proof barracks room but in the comfort of a queen, with a shared outdoor bathroom. There is no electricity in this accommodation – an opportunity to unplug and connect back with nature. This price is per person, the queen bed is shared, and each spot must be booked separately.