The Towers | Narragansett

The Towers are a historic stone archway located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. They stand as a prominent landmark on the town's coastline.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed from granite blocks, the structure features two large, semicircular arches connected by a central section. The stone exhibits a greyish-brown hue with visible natural variations. The overall height of the arches reaches approximately 50 feet. The architectural style is Romanesque Revival.

Location & Access Logistics

The Towers are situated at the intersection of Ocean Road and Caswell Avenue in Narragansett. They are approximately 1 mile south of the Narragansett town center. Limited street parking is available along Ocean Road and adjacent side streets. The Narragansett South Ferry bus line stops within a 0.2km walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Towers were originally part of the Narragansett Pier Casino, built in 1887 by the Narragansett Pier Company. The casino was designed by architect Willard P. Hunt. The structure served as an entrance and social gathering point for the casino complex, which was largely destroyed by a hurricane in 1938. The Towers are the sole remaining portion of the original building.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk through the arches and observe the stonework. Photography is a common activity. The area surrounding The Towers is a public park, suitable for passive recreation. Access to the adjacent beach is available, though beach access may require a fee during peak season.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are located in the adjacent Narragansett Sea Wall building. Shade is available from nearby trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. Food vendors are typically present along Ocean Road during warmer months.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions due to the angle of the sun. The months of June through September provide the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. High tide can affect beach accessibility immediately adjacent to the structure.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the arches were designed to resemble the entrance to a medieval castle, intended to evoke a sense of grandeur for the casino's patrons. The structure has withstood multiple significant coastal storms since its construction.

Nearby Landmarks

• Narragansett Sea Wall (0.1km West)
• Narragansett Town Beach (0.3km South)
• Fisherman's Memorial State Park (2.5km North)
• Point Judith Lighthouse (4.0km Southeast)