Unearthing Newport, Rhode Island’s Secret Tunnels: A Journey Through History and Leadership
Join us as we “Travel in Time” to Newport, Rhode Island, a city steeped in history and mystery, particularly concerning its secret underground tunnels. Dan Blanchard from the “Travel in Time with Dan Show” here taking us all on an intriguing tour, blending travel, history, and leadership insights, right from the heart of Newport.
Newport: A City of Firsts and Fortunes
Before delving into the subterranean world, let’s appreciate Newport itself. Originally called “Red Island” due to its red clay, the name later evolved into Rhode Island. Newport stands as one of the oldest cities in the original 13 colonies, founded, Dan believes, in 1639. It even served as the capital of Rhode Island before Providence took over, and its early governors included Benedict Arnold, grandfather of the infamous Revolutionary War traitor.
Newport’s economy was initially driven by whaling, bringing in significant wealth. It tragically became the New England hub for the slave trade, dealing in goods like rum and sugar. Later, it attracted Southern slave plantation owners seeking refuge from the heat, and subsequently, industrialists like the Vanderbilts and Astors, who invested heavily in the area. Today, Newport is renowned as the sailing capital of the world.
The Enigmatic Underground of Newport
Newport is riddled with stories of secret tunnels, each with its own history and rumored purpose.
- Fort Adams’ Elaborate System:
◦ Fort Adams boasts an elaborate underground tunnel system.
◦ These tunnels were primarily built for preparation and vigilance, anticipating dangers, particularly from the British, and helping to evade British taxes. The leadership lesson here is preparation and looking for danger, even hidden danger.
- The Breakers’ Hidden Infrastructure:
◦ The grand mansions, such as The Breakers, also possess underground systems, though they are not as elaborate as often imagined.
◦ Instead, The Breakers’ system is more of a “hidden infrastructure system,” designed for innovation in utilities like electricity, heating, and cooling.
◦ However, stories persist of these tunnels being used for the mingling of the wealthy with smugglers and bootleggers, a common narrative involving the underworld.
◦ The leadership lessons from The Breakers’ tunnels include innovation and infrastructure, but also adaptability in situations perceived as unjust, such as evading unfair British taxes through activities like smuggling.
- Cliffwalk and the 40 Steps:
◦ The picturesque Cliffwalk also has stories of tunnels extending out towards the ocean.
◦ The 40 Steps, a famous landmark for accessing the area, are central to many local narratives.
◦ Originally, many of these tunnels were believed to have been built to evade what were considered unfair British taxes, a purpose that later developed into other activities, including smuggling.
◦ The popular belief that a waterfall in the area is a secret tunnel highlights the pervasive nature of these stories.
◦ The key leadership lesson here is the power of story to shape a culture, as the tales surrounding the 40 Steps and Cliffwalk tunnels have profoundly influenced Newport’s identity.
While many stories about these secret tunnels exist, not all of them are entirely true. Yet, they paint a vivid picture of Newport’s past, revealing ingenuity, rebellion, and a rich cultural tapestry.
If you ever find yourself in Newport, Rhode Island, be sure to explore the Cliffwalk, The Breakers, Fort Adams, and the legendary 40 Steps – and let your imagination wander through the tales of its secret tunnels!
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
*Check out Dan’s book, “Travel in Time in Connecticut”: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Co...
*Watcj Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKY4Xc30CQQ
*Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cYnrhoGMb0shsAhOiChOQ?si=dMWJ_a8LTkSBqjVeWLikjQ
*See Dan’s Interview with the Great Gatsby: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/travel-in-time-with-dan-15-interview-from-the-past-with-the-great-gatsby/
*Learn more about Dan: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/