Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton (1798-1812) - An First System Coastal Fort first established in 1798 on Rose Island, in Newport County, Rhode Island but never completed. Named after Alexander Hamilton, patriot and statesman. Abandoned as a fortification during the War of 1812.
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Fort Hamilton Plan
Second System
Built as a 60-gun fort with four bastions. Two of the bastions were circular and two were shaped as polygons. The southwest circular bastions was filled in and the present lighthouse was built on it in 1869. The northwest circular bastion was roofed over. A 300 man brick barracks was completed and used for a time.
Starting in 1883 the fort was used by the Navy as a storage area for explosives and torpedoes.
World War I
Additional magazines and barracks were built after World War I.
World War II
Anti-aircraft defenses were emplaced near the lighthouse during World War II.
Current Status
Part of Fort Hamilton Historic District on Rose Island, Newport County, Rhode Island.
Context
Location:
Rose Island, Newport County, Rhode Island.
Lat: 41.496° Long: -71.341° Elevation: 0'
Bing, Google,
OldMapsOnline,
USGS, OHM
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 702
- Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library
Links:
Related:
2011 CDSG Conference Day 2, 2012 New England Plan, Alexander Hamilton, CDSG Conference 29 Mar-2 Apr 2011, CDSG Conference GPS Site List, First System, Fort Hamilton, Second System, War of 1812,