Rose Island Light, Historic lighthouse in Newport, United States
Rose Island Light is an octagonal white tower rising 11 meters above the island and equipped with a Fresnel lens. The structure was built atop an older military site and overlooks the bay.
The foundation comes from a military fort built in 1798, while the tower was added in 1870. The lighthouse stopped operating in 1970 when the Newport Bridge construction altered shipping routes.
The lighthouse sits atop remains of a 19th century military fortification, merging maritime heritage with defensive architecture. Visitors can see how the structure integrates with the older fort foundation beneath it.
Access to the island is only by boat, so visitors should arrange transportation in advance. Overnight stays are available, and tours run on specific days.
The tower follows an award-winning design by Vermont architect Albert Dow and shares design features with other lighthouses in the region. This consistent design was part of a larger effort to standardize coastal structures.
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