At the beginning of this century, Narragansett rivaled Newport as a favorite vacation spot of the wealthy. Fashionable periodicals commented regularly on the social goings-on at "The Pier" (Narragansett).One of the finest beaches in the Northeast lured the Aristocrats then, and vacationers today, who still return every summer. The simple charm and lack of pretension distinguishes Narragansett from affluent resorts.The sun shimmers on the waves at Narragansett Pier and there's a salty tang in the breeze. A walk along the seawall hugging Ocean Road allows unlimited view of sea and crashing surf. Brisk offshore winds furl sails, and fishing boats head into nearby ports with their catches.
Come, experience for yourself the many "pleasures and treasures" of Narragansett.
History of Narragansett
Narragansett was incorporated as a town in 1901. Prior to that time, it was part of South Kingstown, with local history dating back to 1675 when Roland Robinson settled in South County and purchased land from the Narragansett Indians in Pettaquamscutt and Pt. Judith.
Shipbuilding was an early industry with sailing vessels built on the Narrow River at Middlebridge. South Ferry, or Franklin Ferry, was a thriving community, offering ferry service to Jamestown and Newport for more than a hundred years in the early 1700's. South Ferry Church was a landmark on every sea captain's chart of Naragansett Bay.
Between 1888 and 1920 Naragansett was well-known as an elegant summer resort with a dozen more grand hotels and many large estates and "cottages". Probably the most prominent landmark was the Naragansett Casino, covering nearly one square block from Ocean Road to Mathewson Street. The towers on Ocean Road served as the main entrance and covered promenade, and are all that remain after a devestating fire in 1900. Most of the large hotels, all built in wood, were destroyed by fire during the early 1900's.
The Bay Campus of the University of Rhode Island at the end of South Ferry Road is the site of the world-renowned URI Graduate School of Oceanography.
Tourism is an important facet of life in Narragansett, with attractive beaches, sportfishing, a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable cottages and motels, and camping areas all contributing to the tourist's enjoyment. Narragansett strives to preserve the pleasure of a resort community with the amenities of year-round living.
Graphic sourced with thanks from Providenceri
Warm Winds Surf Shop in Narragansett, Rhode Island offers surfing lessons and is your one stop shop for all board sports.READ MORE