Newport Tower

Newport Tower is a circular stone structure in Newport, Rhode Island that rests on eight columns and features windows and arches on an elevated level. The construction rises in a public park near the downtown area and measures roughly 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter with a height of about 8.5 meters (28 feet).

Most scholars date the construction to the 17th century and attribute it to English governor Benedict Arnold, who likely built it as a windmill. Alternative theories about Scandinavian or pre-Columbian origins have nonetheless sparked debate among historians and archaeologists to this day.

The name refers to the coastal town where it stands along Narragansett Bay, and locals often walk past it as a familiar landmark. Visitors come to see the stone arches and circular form, which resembles old windmill foundations common in colonial settlements.

The site is accessible year-round and allows visitors to walk around the exterior, though the interior is usually closed to the public. On warm days the surrounding park offers shade and benches, making quieter morning hours a comfortable time to visit.

Some window openings align with the solstices, casting light onto specific points inside at certain times of day. This alignment has fueled speculation about ritual or astronomical purposes behind the original design.