Bristol Ferry Lighthouse
Ferry Rd., Bristol, RIBristol Ferry Lighthouse is significant for its role in the history of Rhode Island's commerce and transportation, and as an example of one of the state's early surviving lighthouses. Established in 1855 at the entrance to Mount Hope Bay, the light served to guide ships en route to the textile mills of Fall River. The light is also important as a navigational mark for numerous passenger steamers which, during the middle of the nineteenth century, provided the main form of transportation between the cities and towns on Mount Hope Bay with those on Narragansett Bay, the Providence River, and with other major New England ports outside the state. Architecturally, it is significant as one of three early surviving lighthouses in the state of the type which features a keeper's dwelling with an attached light tower.
The land on which the lighthouse stands was acquired on October 9, 1854, and the tower and dwelling were completed the following year. The lighthouse took its name from a Bristol-to Portsmouth ferry, which operated from a landing a few yards to the west of the light.
In addition to the lighthouse, the original 1/5-acre reservation included at least five outbuildings: an 1880 woodshed; two oil houses, one built in 1904 and another in 1909; a hen house; and a privy. Of these, only the 1904 brick oil house survives. In 1908 the size of the site was increased with the purchase of an additional 1-1/4-acres.
The most significant change to the lighthouse during its active period occurred in 1918 when the original wooden lantern at the top of the light tower was removed, the height of the tower was increased by six feet, and a new cast-iron lantern, gallery deck, and balustrade were installed.
The construction in 1928-1929 of the Mount Hope Bridge directly above the lighthouse provided a more highly visible navigational aid. With its completion, the importance of the light declined. In 1928 the lantern was removed from the light tower, and the light was replaced by an automatic beacon placed atop a new steel skeletal tower built just south of the lighthouse, across Ferry Road. The following year, after serving for seventy-four years, the lighthouse, the three outbuildings, and most of the land was sold. The Lighthouse Service retained possession of a small parcel of land south of Ferry Road as well as the skeletal tower, which they continued to operate as a navigational aid until 1934 when it was taken down and replaced by the Bristol Harbor Light.
Since 1929, the lighthouse has served as a private residence. Few alterations have been made to the exterior, with the exception of a small section at the back of the ell, which was torn down and replaced with a wood-frame addition of similar proportions. The interior has been remodeled with a change in the original first-floor plan, but the original second-floor plan is intact. Many of the original details, such as the flooring, doors, window trim, and tower staircase, remain. The 1904 brick oil house is the only outbuilding that still stands.
Recently the property was subdivided when the previous owner sold the lighthouse with only the original 1/5-acre plot and kept the 1-1/4-acre piece that had been added to the site in 1908.
Local significance of the structure:
The land on which the lighthouse stands was acquired on October 9, 1854, and the tower and dwelling were completed the following year. The lighthouse took its name from a Bristol-to Portsmouth ferry, which operated from a landing a few yards to the west of the light.
In addition to the lighthouse, the original 1/5-acre reservation included at least five outbuildings: an 1880 woodshed; two oil houses, one built in 1904 and another in 1909; a hen house; and a privy. Of these, only the 1904 brick oil house survives. In 1908 the size of the site was increased with the purchase of an additional 1-1/4-acres.
The most significant change to the lighthouse during its active period occurred in 1918 when the original wooden lantern at the top of the light tower was removed, the height of the tower was increased by six feet, and a new cast-iron lantern, gallery deck, and balustrade were installed.
The construction in 1928-1929 of the Mount Hope Bridge directly above the lighthouse provided a more highly visible navigational aid. With its completion, the importance of the light declined. In 1928 the lantern was removed from the light tower, and the light was replaced by an automatic beacon placed atop a new steel skeletal tower built just south of the lighthouse, across Ferry Road. The following year, after serving for seventy-four years, the lighthouse, the three outbuildings, and most of the land was sold. The Lighthouse Service retained possession of a small parcel of land south of Ferry Road as well as the skeletal tower, which they continued to operate as a navigational aid until 1934 when it was taken down and replaced by the Bristol Harbor Light.
Since 1929, the lighthouse has served as a private residence. Few alterations have been made to the exterior, with the exception of a small section at the back of the ell, which was torn down and replaced with a wood-frame addition of similar proportions. The interior has been remodeled with a change in the original first-floor plan, but the original second-floor plan is intact. Many of the original details, such as the flooring, doors, window trim, and tower staircase, remain. The 1904 brick oil house is the only outbuilding that still stands.
Recently the property was subdivided when the previous owner sold the lighthouse with only the original 1/5-acre plot and kept the 1-1/4-acre piece that had been added to the site in 1908.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, finally joining the union on May 29, 1790, after initially rejecting the document.
About Bristol County
Bristol County Timeline
Bristol County, Rhode Island, has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people, the area was later settled by English colonists. The town of Bristol was officially established in 1680 and quickly became an important center for maritime trade and fishing due to its prime location on Narragansett Bay.
During the American Revolution, Bristol played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town was heavily involved in privateering, a practice where privately owned ships were authorized by the government to attack and capture enemy vessels. Many Bristol sailors served on these privateers, contributing to the success of the American cause.
In the 19th century, Bristol experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity. Industries such as shipbuilding, textiles, and manufacturing thrived, leading to an increase in population and wealth. The town's maritime heritage continued to play a vital role, with bustling wharves and a busy harbor serving as vital links for trade and commerce.
Today, Bristol County remains an important historic and cultural destination. The town of Bristol is home to numerous historic sites and landmarks, including the Independence Park, which contains the 1783 DeWolf Tavern, a National Historic Landmark. The annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade is also a major attraction, known as the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States.
Overall, Bristol County, RI, boasts a long and storied history, from its Native American roots to its significant contributions to the American Revolution and its prosperous maritime heritage. The town's historical sites and traditions continue to be cherished by residents and attract visitors from near and far.
During the American Revolution, Bristol played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town was heavily involved in privateering, a practice where privately owned ships were authorized by the government to attack and capture enemy vessels. Many Bristol sailors served on these privateers, contributing to the success of the American cause.
In the 19th century, Bristol experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity. Industries such as shipbuilding, textiles, and manufacturing thrived, leading to an increase in population and wealth. The town's maritime heritage continued to play a vital role, with bustling wharves and a busy harbor serving as vital links for trade and commerce.
Today, Bristol County remains an important historic and cultural destination. The town of Bristol is home to numerous historic sites and landmarks, including the Independence Park, which contains the 1783 DeWolf Tavern, a National Historic Landmark. The annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade is also a major attraction, known as the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States.
Overall, Bristol County, RI, boasts a long and storied history, from its Native American roots to its significant contributions to the American Revolution and its prosperous maritime heritage. The town's historical sites and traditions continue to be cherished by residents and attract visitors from near and far.
Bristol County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bristol County, Rhode Island.
- 1680: Bristol County is founded as part of Plymouth Colony.
- 1747: Bristol County becomes part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- 1747-1774: Bristol experiences economic growth through the Triangular Trade, involving rum, slaves, and molasses.
- 1776: The Revolutionary War begins and Bristol County plays a significant role in supporting the American cause.
- 1777: Rhode Island declares independence from Britain and Bristol County becomes part of the newly formed state.
- 1790s: Bristol County experiences industrial growth with the establishment of mills and factories.
- 1835: The town of Bristol is incorporated.
- 1820s-1840s: Bristol's economy booms with the rise of the maritime industry.
- 1861-1865: Many Bristol residents participate in the American Civil War.
- 1895: The oldest Fourth of July parade in the United States is held in Bristol.
- 20th century: Bristol County sees continued economic growth and becomes a popular tourist destination.
- 2007: Bristol County celebrates its 325th anniversary.