The Sentinel of Narragansett Bay: Exploring the History and Leadership of Fort Adams
If you find yourself in Newport, Rhode Island, you can’t miss the massive stone structure standing watch over the deep, strategic waters of the harbor. This is Fort Adams, a place where travel, history, and leadership lessons intersect in a truly unique way.
A Strategic Necessity
Named after President John Adams, who commissioned it in 1799, Fort Adams was built to be a “sentinel” for Narragansett Bay. Its location was vital because the deep harbor was a prime target for invasions. During the American Revolution, the British occupied Newport for years, and during the War of 1812, they successfully blockaded the harbor because the original “first system” defenses—made merely of earthworks and wood—couldn’t stand up to the world’s best military.
From Wood to Granite: The Third System
To ensure Newport would never be so vulnerable again, the fort was rebuilt under Joseph G. Totten as part of the “Third System” of American coastal defense. Constructed from Maine granite and Newport shale, the fort was designed to withstand both the corrosive saltwater air and heavy cannon fire.
It took 30 years to complete this complex system, using Totten’s design of a massive pentagonal trace, ensuring that every single inch of the fort was covered by defensive fire. Furthermore, Totten included a system of counter-mine galleries, popularly known as listening tunnels. When they heard enemy sappers attempting to dig mines under their walls, they would detonate counter-mines to collapse the enemy tunnels before they could reach the main structure.
The result? The fort became such a powerful deterrent that it basically saw no action after the War of 1812. Potential invaders simply took one look at the massive granite walls and decided it wasn’t worth the fight.
A Witness to History
While it may not have traded cannon fire in major battles, Fort Adams has remained at the center of American history:
- The Civil War: When the US Naval Academy in Annapolis was deemed too close to Confederate lines, it was relocated to Fort Adams for three years.
- World War II: The fort served as a critical command center housing thousands of soldiers protecting New England’s coastline.
- The Eisenhower Era: President Dwight D. Eisenhower used Fort Adams as his “Summer White House”.
Fort Adams Today: Culture and Leisure
Today, the fort is a National Historic Landmark and a vibrant part of the Newport community. While history buffs can enjoy the museums and guided tours of the old cannons and fortifications, others use the grounds as a leisure park for jogging and enjoying the scenery. It is also the iconic home of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, which draw such large crowds that the entrance gates often have to be closed early.
The Leadership Lesson: The Three Ps
Beyond the granite walls and scenic views, Fort Adams offers a vital leadership principle known as the Three Ps: Preparation Prevents Problems.
By investing 30 years into building a permanent, indestructible defense, the United States avoided the problems of invasion and blockade that had plagued them in the past. The fort’s strength as a deterrent proves that being well-prepared is often the best way to ensure a conflict never starts in the first place.
Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into military history or just a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon, Fort Adams is a must-visit destination in Rhode Island. Just remember to get there early if there’s a festival in town!
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
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