The public is invited to climb to the top of the Miantonomi Memorial Tower for free on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM. The event, sponsored by the Newport Public Services Department and Miantonomi Memorial Park Commission, offers the best view of the Newport area.
The 100-foot tower, located in Miantonomi Memorial Park on Hillside Avenue, was dedicated in 1929 as a memorial to Newport men who died in World War I. The park, encompassing 30 acres, features a 30-foot flagpole flying a 6’ x 10’ flag.
The tower boasts an inscription above the inner entry that reads, “These died in war that we at peace might live. These gave their best, so we our best should give.”
Miantonomi Hill holds significant historical importance. It served as the seat of power for Narragansett Indian chieftains and was later used by colonial settlers for a lookout, public executions, and as a site for beacons. Other phonetic spellings of the name, such as Tonomy and Wanomitonomo, reflect its Native American origins. During 1776, a fortification was constructed on Miantonomi Hill. In 1881, the site was purchased by Anson Phelps Stokes and remained in the family until 1921 when it was sold to the City of Newport to create a memorial park.
On Armistice Day 1923, the park was officially dedicated as a war memorial. The General Assembly transferred control of the park to the Miantonomi Memorial Park Commission. The tower was erected and dedicated in 1929 on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Rhode Island.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
