For centuries, Ocean State visitors and residents have flocked to area beaches to enjoy the deep blue sea, its frothy surf and watch the billowing flags of sailing ships. Here in Watch Hill, a long spit of land juts out from coast marking a break between Block Island Sound to the east and Fisher Island Sound to the west. Watch Hill is a coastal village on this peninsula, within the town of Westerly. Creating another peaceful scene, Watch Hill Harbor is dotted with moored sailboats and fishing vessels, ringed with grass covered dunes and elegant homes.
   Watch Hill, tucked into Rhode Island's quiet southwestern corner, is also one of the oldest lighthouse sites in America. Erected during the French and Indian War in 1745, the beacon continued marking the eastern entrance to Fishers Island Sound until it was destroyed in an Atlantic storm in 1781. A 35 foot wooden tower followed in 1808, authorized by then President Thomas Jefferson.
   The Watch Hill Lighthouse of today, a granite block tower, was built to endure the coastal elements. Completed in 1856, the lighthouse stands 45 feet tall. The square block tower, lined with brick, used a fourth-order French-built lens to warn mariners of the point. A granite seawall, built around the light station, helped reduce coastal erosion.
   This lighthouse is a little difficult to find, with one small tell-tale red sign which indicates Lighthouse Road is a private road. Although the sign reads walkers welcome, a few unknowing Watch Hill anglers drive out to the light station area and fish along the seawall. The lighthouse is closed to the public, but the grounds are open during the day.

     Area Map