Fort Wetherill Mine Observation Station (Jamestown, RI)

Exploring the Fort Wetherill Mine Observation Station: Jamestown’s Forgotten Lookout on the Bay

Perched high on a windswept hill overlooking Narragansett Bay, the Fort Wetherill Mine Observation Station in Jamestown, Rhode Island is one of the most intriguing — and least-documented — remnants of Rhode Island’s coastal defense system. Though small and largely forgotten, this concrete structure once played a key role in protecting the entrance to Newport Harbor during World War II.

Today, the building stands abandoned and weathered, surrounded by tall grass, wildflowers, and sweeping ocean views. For those exploring Fort Wetherill State Park, it’s a must-see stop — a place where history and scenery blend seamlessly atop the island’s rugged cliffs.

The Strategic Birth of Fort Wetherill

Established in 1895 during the Endicott Period, Fort Wetherill was part of a nationwide effort to modernize America’s harbor defenses. Built atop the former site of Fort Dumpling, this sprawling installation guarded the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and the naval hub at Newport.

Fort Wetherill boasted multiple heavy-gun batteries, underground magazines, tunnels, and lookout posts. By World War II, however, the fort’s focus shifted from traditional artillery to newer technologies — including mine warfare.

To protect Narragansett Bay, the U.S. Army placed over 300 underwater mines near the entrances to the bay and along both sides of Conanicut Island. These explosive devices could be remotely detonated from shore if an enemy ship attempted to enter the harbor.

The Role of the Mine Observation Station

To support these mine defenses, the Army constructed a mine storehouse, tramway, and wharf — as well as a dedicated Mine Observation Station on the fort’s highest hill.

From this elevated position, soldiers could monitor the waters of Narragansett Bay and the approaches to Newport Harbor. Using field glasses and rangefinders, they watched for any enemy movement and relayed information to nearby batteries or the mine control station.

The observation post also helped coordinate minefield operations — tracking vessels, confirming detonation zones, and ensuring that friendly ships could pass safely through cleared lanes.

While much of its operational history remains unrecorded, this small station served as an essential “eye” for Fort Wetherill’s underwater defenses during World War II.

Abandonment and What Remains

After the war ended in 1945, coastal fortifications across the country were deactivated, and Fort Wetherill was no exception. The Mine Observation Station was abandoned soon after, its mission obsolete in the new age of radar and guided weapons.

Today, the structure still crowns the hill overlooking the bay. Its reinforced concrete shell remains intact, though the walls are cracked and the roof partially eroded. Inside, graffiti now adorns the surfaces once filled with equipment and field instruments.

Despite its decay, the site offers one of the most panoramic views in Fort Wetherill State Park — stretching across Narragansett Bay to Newport, and southward toward the open Atlantic. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot where the echoes of wartime watchfulness meet the calm of coastal Rhode Island.

Visiting Information

• 📍 Location: Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown, Rhode Island
• 🌐 GPS Coordinates: 41.479583, -71.359111
• 🅿️ Parking: Free parking at two nearby lots — the Fort Wetherill Scuba Diving Lot (east) and the Battery Varnum Lot (west)
• 💰 Fees: None (free year-round)
• ⚠️ Safety: Structure is deteriorating — explore with caution and avoid climbing the roof
• 🕰 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for best light and ocean views

Quick Facts

• 🏗 Built: Circa 1942
• 🏰 Fort: Fort Wetherill, Jamestown, Rhode Island
• ⚙️ Purpose: Observation and coordination of underwater defensive mines
• 💣 Mine Coverage: Over 300 mines protecting Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay
• 🌅 View: Overlooks Narragansett Bay, Newport, and the Atlantic
• 🪖 Era: World War II Coastal Defense
• ⚒️ Construction: Reinforced concrete
• 🏚 Condition: Abandoned, weathered, and partially graffiti-covered
• 🌿 Setting: Hilltop within Fort Wetherill State Park
• 🚫 Entry: Accessible but unmaintained — proceed carefully

Final Thoughts

The Fort Wetherill Mine Observation Station might not be as imposing as the massive batteries below it, but its strategic value was once immense. From its hilltop perch, soldiers guarded one of New England’s most vital waterways, using their vantage point to control the deadly minefields beneath the bay.

Today, the post offers a different kind of purpose — a tranquil overlook where history, nature, and time converge. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply an explorer of Rhode Island’s forgotten places, this quiet hill above the sea tells a story that still endures on the wind.