Jamestown and Conanicut Island - an Introduction for Visitors

Jamestown, Rhode Island, located on Conanicut Island, in Narragansett Bay, is both a summer destination and a year-round community. It is located twenty-five miles south of Providence and a mile west of Newport. First settled by non-Native Americans in the sixteen-fifties, the island remained mostly agricultural until well into the twentieth century. The year-round population is about 6,000.

Conanicut Island is about 9 miles long by 1 mile wide; with the highest elevation 135 ft above sea level. Its abundance of open space, lightly-traveled roadways and pleasant views make it an excellent locale for walking and riding bicycles.

East Landing provided the primary link between Jamestown and Newport for three and a half centuries; and continues to be a vital part of the village center. Enjoy a sandwich on the patio in front of the East Ferry Deli or some delicious ice cream from Spinnaker's Cafe as you explore the town and take in the sights. Many civic buildings, shops and restaurants are close by; mostly along Narragansett Avenue, which was the cross-island connection between the east and west ferry landings until bridges linked Jamestown to the western mainland (in 1940) and to Newport (in 1969). The Newport (Pell) Bridge, featured on the Rhode Island commemorative quarters, is more than two miles long with towers that rise 400 feet above the water. It's opening made Route 138 into a through road across Conanicut Island. In 1992, the western highway approach to Jamestown was upgraded. A four-lane bridge replaced the two-lane bridge that served the island for more than fifty years. Even with greatly improved access, Conanicut Island has remained lightly developed; allowing it to maintain a distinctive island identity. A pleasant sense of tranquility results from the uncrowded mix of historic and modern buildings, farms, parks, docks and extensive natural areas. Interesting Conanicut Island sites include the historic 280 acre Watson Farm, with its cattle, sheep, horses, gardens and miles of picturesque trails; historic Forts Wetherill and Getty; sandy Mackeral Cove Beach; the Conanicut Island bird Sanctuary; a more than two hundred year old windmill; a fire fighting equipment museum that includes a 1894 horse-drawn steam engine; the Jamestown Museum's collection of ferry system memorabilia; the Sydney Wright museum of locally-collected Indian and Colonial artifacts; and historic Beavertail lighthouse and park.

Newport, with its historic homes, museums, shopping and night life, is just minutes away from Jamestown, on the east side of the bay. To the west is Rhode Island's South County area, with beaches, fishing, farms and historic buildings. Wickford lies ten miles to the northwest. This charming harborside village, established in 1665, offers restaurants, art, collectibles, fine clothing stores and pleasant views of its harbor.

More Information on Jamestown and Things to Do in the Area

Jamestown RI - Rhode Island Visitor Information Home Page

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