Newport Tower (Rhode Island)
Archaeological Site Mysterious stone tower with debated colonial origins
Newport’s stone tower sits on a small common; historians and visitors debate its origins while touring nearby colonial houses and waterfront streets.
.jpg?width=1200)
The Newport Tower, also called the Old Stone Mill, is a freestanding circular stone tower in Newport, Rhode Island, notable for its unresolved origins and historic appearance. It is commonly interpreted as a 17th-century colonial-era windmill.
The tower’s cylindrical masonry, open arcade of arches at the base and isolated setting make it a compact architectural curiosity in Newport’s historic district. Its scale is modest compared with other landmarks in the city, so visits are typically short and photographic.
Most scholarly research attributes the tower to the mid-1600s and to early colonial settlers, with documentary links to property owned by Benedict Arnold, an early Rhode Island governor. It appears to have served as a windmill in the colonial period and has been the subject of alternative origin theories.
Located in a small public park in downtown Newport, the tower is within walking distance of other historic sites and the city’s waterfront.
- Viewing spot: Best viewed from the small parkland that surrounds the tower, where its full circular form and arcade arches are visible.
How to Get to Newport Tower (Rhode Island) #
A five- to ten-minute walk from Thames Street and Newport’s main waterfront. From downtown allow 10-15 minutes on foot; limited parking is available nearby. Local trolleys and seasonal shuttles serve the historic district.
Tips for Visiting Newport Tower (Rhode Island) #
- Go early morning for soft light and to avoid tour groups-the tower is often a quick stop on historic-walking circuits.
- Read the informational plaque that explains the long-running debate over origin-Viking theories make for good conversations but are not the consensus among historians.
- Combine this stop with a stroll through nearby colonial-era streets and the waterfront.
Best Time to Visit Newport Tower (Rhode Island) #
Summer sees the most visitors; shoulder seasons are quieter and offer better light for photos.
Weather & Climate near Newport Tower (Rhode Island) #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1202 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
