Conanicut Battery

In July 2023, I returned to Jamestown, RI where I had previously visited Historic New England’s Casey Farm and Watson Farm, along with several sites operated by Jamestown Historical Society (JHS). On this trip, I went to Conanicut Battery, jointly maintained by JHS and The Friends of Conanicut Battery. Since 1973, this twenty-two acre site has been on the National Register of Historic Places for its roles in the American Revolutionary War and the World Wars.

View of the Water from Conanicut Battery; a stretch of grass, bushes and trees, a dirt road, more grass, and then the water.

Plaque for Conanicut Battery Added by the Daughters of the American Revolution

Monument to Conanicut Battery; a flagpole with an American flag on the left, and a stone with a plaque on the right.

A Large Tree at Conanicut Battery; a grassy green path cut through longer yellow grass leads to a large deciduous tree

The Battery

For Rhode Islanders, the American Revolution began in 1772 when a group of Providence-based patriots burned a grounded ship called the HMS Gaspee. (Last year, during the 250^th anniversary, Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) hosted an exhibit about the event.) By 1775, the British navy retaliated against the colony, shelling the villages along the shore. Soldiers raided Jamestown, stole livestock, and burned civilian houses during December of that year. By the next year, the Rhode Island General Assembly sent militia to Jamestown and built the earthen gun battery still present today. This effort proved futile, and British troops occupied the area by December 1776. British troops did not leave until 1778 after French troops attacked the battery. The French remained in the area until 1781. Many years later, in 1931, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) restored the grounds and placed a memorial at the site.

Conanicut Battery Overlooking the Water; earthworks covered in grass on the right background with the water on the left background

Conanicut Battery Facing Inland; grass-covered earthworks

Information Sign on Revolutionary Years; three column sign describing the Rhode Island Rebels, British Occupation, and The French from 1772 to 1781

Fire Control Stations

The strategies of war greatly changed between the American Revolution and the World Wars, but seaports remained important. From 1916 to 1945, the military installed fire control stations in the area known as Prospect Hill. Snipers inside these six in-ground stations guarded Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. At that time, the military cleared trees from the hill to give gunman a clear look at the water. This site was not alone in protecting the waters of Rhode Island. Elsewhere on the tiny island were gun batteries at Fort Wetherill and Fort Getty, along with Fort Greble on Dutch Island and Fort Adams in Newport. The number of personnel and station in use changed during their time of operation. By the end of World War II, only two positions were used by the 243^rd Coast Artillery Regiment of the Rhode Island National Guard. All others were abandoned, as they are today.

In-Ground Sniper Station on Prospect Hill; a cement slab on top of cement pilings covered with chicken wire

Sign for Giant Boulder Path; a white sign with blue text and an arrow pointing right

Conclusion

Located near many other historic sites, the Conanicut Battery offers easy walking and a beautiful view of the water, along with well-written signage with photographs, maps, and diagrams. The Friends of Conanicut Battery have preserved the site since 1997, with rehabilitation efforts completed in 2002. Events are held throughout the year, including the next Battery Day historical reenactment coming in Spring 2024. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Ample parking is available. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear while walking the sometimes hilly trails.

Abby Epplett’s Rating System

Experience: 8/10

Accessibility: 7/10

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