Battery Varnum (Jamestown, RI)

Perched high above the rocky cliffs of Jamestown, Rhode Island, the abandoned Battery Varnum stands as one of the most imposing remnants of America’s coastal defense network. Once armed with massive 12-inch guns capable of firing half-ton projectiles across Narragansett Bay, this reinforced-concrete structure represents the height of the Endicott Period—a time when the United States modernized its fortifications to meet the challenges of modern naval warfare.

The Endicott Period and the Birth of Fort Wetherill

After the Civil War, the U.S. military recognized that brick forts and smoothbore cannons were no match for steel warships. To address this, President Grover Cleveland created the Endicott Board in 1885, launching a sweeping coastal-defense program between 1890 and 1910.

Fort Wetherill, established in 1900 on the southeastern tip of Jamestown, became a cornerstone of the Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay. From its commanding view over the East Passage toward Newport and Providence, the fort oversaw several massive gun emplacements—including the formidable Battery Varnum.

Construction and Armament

Construction on Battery Varnum began in June 1898 and finished in August 1899. The Coast Artillery Corps officially placed it in service on February 15, 1901.

• Armed with two 12-inch M1888 guns mounted on M1892 Barbette carriages
• Designed as a two-story structure, with guns above and ammunition magazines below
• Taylor-Raymond front-delivery electric shell hoists were installed in 1907 to lift shells to the guns
• Included ammunition rooms, plotting spaces, and connections to Fort Wetherill’s power plant
• Named for Major General James Mitchell Varnum, a Rhode Island Revolutionary War hero and early American statesman

World War I and World War II

When the United States entered World War I, many coastal guns were removed and sent overseas—but Battery Varnum remained active throughout the war, guarding the entrance to Narragansett Bay.

By World War II, coastal artillery had become obsolete. Air power and long-range naval weapons rendered fixed fortifications outdated. The guns and carriages at Battery Varnum were eventually removed and salvaged, and the structure was abandoned soon after.

Battery Varnum Today

Today, Battery Varnum sits within Fort Wetherill State Park, which opened to the public in 1972. The park encompasses seven historic batteries—including Cooke, Crittenden, and Dickenson—and offers panoramic coastal views, rocky cliffs, and remnants of the old fort system.

Visitors can explore the upper platforms and many interior corridors of Battery Varnum. Its vast gun pits, thick concrete walls, and graffiti-covered galleries provide a fascinating look into Rhode Island’s military past.

⚠️ Use caution when exploring — the structure is unmaintained, and surfaces can be uneven or slippery. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy footwear.

Visiting Information

• 📍 Address: Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown, Rhode Island
• 🌐 GPS Coordinates: 41.477806, -71.358500
• 🅿️ Parking: About two dozen free spaces near the fort; additional parking within the park
• 💰 Fees: Free year-round
• 🕰 Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
• 🐾 Pets: Leashed dogs welcome

For the best experience, visit during the off-season to enjoy the site in peace and take in the ocean views without summer crowds.

Quick Facts

• 🏗 Construction: 1898 – 1899
• ⚙️ Operational Date: February 15, 1901
• 💣 Armament: Two 12-inch M1888 guns on M1892 Barbette carriages
• ⚡ Shell Hoists Installed: 1907 (Taylor-Raymond electric hoists)
• 🕰 Deactivated: 1940s (World War II)
• 🎖 Named For: Major General James Mitchell Varnum
• 🏞 Current Status: Abandoned; part of Fort Wetherill State Park
• 🚶‍♂️ Access: Open to the public but unmaintained—explore carefully

Final Thoughts

Among the many batteries built at Fort Wetherill, Battery Varnum stands as one of the most powerful and historically significant. Its scale, design, and cliff-top vantage point make it a haunting yet beautiful landmark of the Endicott Era.

For history enthusiasts, photographers, and explorers, Battery Varnum offers a rare glimpse into a time when massive guns and concrete forts guarded America’s shores — and when the defense of Narragansett Bay was at the forefront of national security.