Beavertail Lighthouse

Strategically located near the entrance to Newport harbor, between the east and west passages of Narragansett Bay, sits Beavertail Point at the southern end of Conanicut Island. As colonial Newport became a major port through its part in the Triangle trade, Beavertail was recognized as the most advantageous site for a navigational beacon. The town of Jamestown maintained a watch house at the site (probably for security due to the shifting alliances among the British, French, Spanish and Indians) and before long a beacon was added as well.