History

Fort Wetherill is a formal coastal defense battery and training camp. It is 61.5 acres on the Island of Jamestown and overlooks the East and Middle passage of the Narragansett Bay. It was built for American colonists to prevent British attacks on Newport. However, in December 1776, the British captured Jamestown and Newport. It was built in 1799-1800 and was around Martell-style. It has never seen war but served the purpose of supporting Fort Adams from ships entering Newport harbor. The Fort was not put to use in the 19th century and Fort Adams used it as target practice. Fort Dumpling was blown up in 1898 and was rebuilt as Fort Wetherill. It was named after Captain Alexander M. Wetherill. In 1905, rifles were mounted and in 1940 construction began. All of the facilities were revamped and completely modern for warfare. However, it was never used, resulting in the guns being removed in 1970. Shortly after, the park was open for recreational use.

Hauntings 

The reports of stories about hauntings of Fort Wetherill have been dated back for many years. One day Redcoats were patrolling the fort when one saw a devil dog with a black coat, red eyes, and fangs. The soldier that saw the dog dies two days later. Over time, more stories accumulated adding to this myth. These stories included tales of dead soldiers wandering the halls. Many Ghost hunters and urban explorers still visit the Fort regularly in search of the devil dog. 

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