Battery Ogden (Dutch Island, RI)

The abandoned Battery Ogden is an old coastal gun battery located on Dutch Island at the former site of Fort Greble off Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Nestled off the coast of Jamestown, Rhode Island, Battery Ogden sits hidden within the wild, windswept terrain of Dutch Island State Wildlife Management Area. Once a key component of America’s coastal defense system, this abandoned military fortification now stands as a haunting monument to the past — a place where history and nature intertwine.

The Forgotten History of Battery Ogden

Battery Ogden was constructed as part of the Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay, one of several military installations built during the Endicott Period (1890–1910) — an era that reshaped U.S. coastal fortifications in response to new naval technologies.

Named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Frederick C. Ogden, a Civil War hero who fell at Trevillian Station, Virginia, the battery represented cutting-edge military engineering at the dawn of the 20th century. Construction began in May 1900 and was completed just five months later, in October 1900.

Design and Armament

Battery Ogden was equipped with two 3-inch M1898MI guns mounted on M1898 Masking Parapet carriages, typical of early 1900s harbor defenses. The two-story structure featured gun positions above and ammunition magazines below — a compact, efficient design for rapid defense against potential naval attacks.

Unlike later fortifications, Battery Ogden lacked shell or powder hoists and depended on an external power plant for electricity. This simplicity makes the structure an authentic glimpse into the transitional phase between 19th-century and modern coastal defense systems.

Decline and Decommissioning

By the time World War I erupted, military strategy had shifted away from small coastal batteries. Many guns were repurposed for new fronts, and although Battery Ogden survived those early cuts, it wasn’t spared from the 1920 disarmament program.
Its guns were removed and sent to the U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal in New York, and the carriages were scrapped — marking the end of its active service.

Battery Ogden Today

More than a century later, Battery Ogden lies in ruins, slowly overtaken by vines, moss, and the salty Atlantic air. Cracked concrete walls and dark tunnels whisper stories of a once-vital outpost. The small rooms that once echoed with soldiers’ voices now stand silent — their purpose forgotten but their presence undeniable.

Visiting today feels like stepping into a time capsule — one where Rhode Island’s military history meets the rugged, natural beauty of Dutch Island.

How to Visit Dutch Island and Battery Ogden

Getting to Battery Ogden is not for the faint of heart — or the unprepared. The island is accessible only by boat or kayak, and the journey itself is part of the adventure.
Most visitors launch from Fort Getty State Park in Jamestown. From there, it’s a short paddle across Narragansett Bay to a small cove on the island’s eastern side, about a quarter-mile from the battery.

Once ashore, the hike requires bushwhacking through dense vegetation, so come prepared:

• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes
• Bring bug spray and tick protection
• Carry plenty of water and navigation tools
• Expect thick underbrush and limited trails

The reward for your effort is a remarkable glimpse into Rhode Island’s hidden history — a site few have seen and even fewer have explored up close.

Why Battery Ogden Is Worth the Trip

A visit to Battery Ogden on Dutch Island isn’t just about exploring ruins — it’s about connecting with history. Standing atop the weathered concrete, overlooking Narragansett Bay, you can almost imagine the soldiers who once watched for threats on the horizon.

It’s a haunting yet beautiful reminder of how time and nature reclaim even the strongest human structures, leaving behind stories carved into the stone and salt.

Quick Facts for Visitors

• 📍 Location: Dutch Island, Jamestown, Rhode Island
• 🕰 Built: 1900
• ⚔️ Purpose: Harbor Defense of Narragansett Bay
• 🚤 Access: By boat or kayak from Fort Getty State Park
• ⚠️ Tips: Bring bug spray, long pants, and water; expect rough terrain

Final Thoughts

Battery Ogden remains one of Rhode Island’s most mysterious and overlooked landmarks. For photographers, historians, and adventurers, it offers a unique combination of military history, coastal scenery, and off-the-grid exploration.

Whether you’re paddling across Narragansett Bay or hiking through Dutch Island’s dense brush, you’ll find that Battery Ogden is more than a ruin — it’s a story of resilience, decay, and discovery.