Fishermen's Memorial State Park

Fishermen's Memorial State Park is a public recreation area and campground encompassing 91 acres (37 ha) on Point Judith in the town of Narragansett, Rhode Island.[2] The state park occupies a portion of the former Fort Nathaniel Greene, named after Rhode Island native and Revolutionary War general Nathaniel Greene.

Fishermen's Memorial State Park
Point Judith Fisherman's Memorial
Location in Rhode Island
LocationNarragansett, Washington, Rhode Island, United States
Coordinates41°22′52″N 71°29′22″W[1]
Area91 acres (37 ha)
Elevation49 ft (15 m)[1]
Established1953
Governing bodyRhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation
WebsiteFishermen's Memorial
State Park and Campground

History

During World War II, Fort Greene, a 270-acre (110 ha) defensive facility, was constructed as part of a series of coastal defenses around Narragansett Bay. The Battery Hamilton area was heavily fortified with 16-inch guns capable of reaching 26 miles out to sea. After the fort was decommissioned following World War II, the state of Rhode Island began purchasing the land for use as a state park in 1953. The name Fishermen's Memorial was chosen to honor all Narragansett-area fishermen, both commercial and sport. In 1970, the former fort opened as a campground. A former military fire control tower serves as park headquarters.[3] An Army Reserve facility still occupies part of the site.[4]

Park areas

The park is divided into two parcels, formerly the west and south reservations of Fort Greene. The former west reservation is the campground, and includes Battery 109, a massive concrete and earth emplacement intended for two 16-inch guns that was never armed. The former south reservation is near Point Judith Light on the ocean, and includes Battery 211, a bunker that supported two 6-inch guns. The Point Judith Fishermen's Memorial is located next to this bunker. One of the 6-inch gun positions is on the (much eroded) beach in front of Battery 211.[5] Paths are maintained to the tops of the bunkers for Battery 109 and Battery 211, which have excellent views. However, no interpretation of the military facilities in the park is provided.

Activities and amenities

The park offers 182 campsites with 40 designated for RVs, 107 standard, and 35 tent-only sites.[6]

  • Ammunition and fire control bunker for Battery 211, former Fort Greene south reservation
  • Former fire control tower resembling a barn silo, former Fort Greene west reservation
  • 6-inch gun position at Battery 211, former Fort Greene south reservation

References
  1. "Fishermen's Memorial State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. "Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground". State of Rhode Island Division of Parks & Recreation. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  3. "Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground History". State of Rhode Island Division of Parks & Recreation. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  4. "Operational Range Assessment Program Phase II Report, Fort Nathaniel Greene" (PDF). EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. October 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  5. Berhow, Mark A., ed. (2015). American Seacoast Defenses, A Reference Guide, Third Edition. CDSG Press. p. 207. ISBN 978-0-9748167-3-9.
  6. "Fishermens Memorial State Park: Campground Details". Welcome to RI State Parks. Rhode Island State. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
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