Newport Tower, Stone windmill tower in Newport, Rhode Island, United States
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 tower's many names — Old Stone Mill, Round Tower, Touro Tower, Viking Tower, Newport Stone Tower — reflect the debate over its origin. A 1741 document calls it "the old stone mill", and a 1776 map labels it "Stone Wind Mill". Its image appeared on the seal and unit patch of the former US Navy vessel USS Newport.
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.
The tower appears on the seal and unit patch of the former US Navy vessel USS Newport. Its west-southwest window faces Pettaquamscutt Rock across Narragansett Bay, and the interior walls once carried smooth white plaster, traces of which remain on several pillars.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,667 contributors worldwide.