Newport, Rhode Island is known for its history- from its vast collection of colonial homes to its role in early America, it has no shortage of historic sites. One of the more mysterious and intriguing historic structures in town is the Newport Tower (also known as the Touro Tower and the Old Stone Mill). The unassuming stone structure sits in modern day Touro Park, mystifying visitors and locals alike.
History
The exact origins of the Newport Tower are, of course, unknown. There are numerous theories and beliefs about who built the tower and why; however, many of these theories prove to be a bit far-fetched, historically unlikely or even impossible. But the tower’s mysterious past allows for some whimsical conjecture.
Some of the earlier theories state that the tower has norse origins and was built by the vikings possibly over 700 years ago. This hypothesis argues that early North American viking explorations ventured as far south as Rhode Island (this argument continued well into the 1870s, when Mr. R. G. Hatfield, President of the NY Chapter, American Institute of Architects, stated that he believed the tower was erected in the early part of the 11th century by “Northmen,” the founders of the Vinland colony). In 1942, Archaeologist Philip Ainsworth Means argued that it was possibly a church built in the 11th to 14th centuries. Being of norse origin seems to be one of the most popular fringe theories, even though excavation and carbon-dating seems to disprove this.
Other historians and archaeologists have argued that the tower has Portuguese or even Chinese origins, both based on the similarities between the Newport Tower and architecture in China and Portugal. Another wild theory is that medieval Knights Templar built the tower nearly 100 years prior to Christopher Columbus’ arrival. All of these theories have been proven outlandish or incorrect.
My personal favorite theory has to do with astronomy. Out of the eight pillars of the tower, four of them seem to align with the four points of a compass (north, south, east, west). In the 1990s, a professor from the University of Rhode Island observed a number of astronomical alignments with the tower’s windows (summer and winter solstices and a few significant stars). As intriguing and more realistic this theory is, nothing has been confirmed from these observations.
Most historians today agree that the Newport Tower was built sometime in the 17th century (1600s). Following a 1948 excavation at the site (which uncovered many 17th century artifacts) and a 1993 carbon dating of the tower’s mortar, it is likely the tower was built in the mid to late 1600s.
A very possible local theory states that the Newport Tower was first built as a stone windmill. The likely builder of the windmill was Benedict Arnold, the first colonial Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and Great Grandfather of American Revolution General and infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold. The tower sits on land that was owned by Governor Arnold and in his 1677 will, he mentions “my stone built Wind Mill.” While this theory makes the most sense and aligns with the scientific evidence discovered, it has yet to be completely proven. Thus, many theories exist to this day.
Interesting Facts
- During the American Revolution, the tower was used by the Americans as a lookout tower. When the British occupied Newport, they used it to store ammunition
- The Newport Tower is not perfectly circular- the diameter of the tower varies between just over 22ft to just over 23ft
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1832 poem The Skeleton in Armor refers to the Newport Tower as possibly having norse origins
Our Visit & Recommendations
The Newport Tower is the centerpiece of Touro Park (5 Touro Park St W, Newport, RI 02840), which was established in the mid-19th century. The beautiful park is surrounded by many 18th and 19th century homes and the 1881 Channing Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church (a statue of the church’s namesake, William Ellery Channing, stands in the park). Although limited, you can utilize street parking on either side of Touro Park.
A fence surrounds the tower, preventing visitors from crossing under it and vandals from defacing it. The park also has a few statues, including one of Newport native Commodore Matthew Perry. Perry was a U.S. naval officer who is credited with opening trade up with Japan in 1852 (his brother, Oliver Hazard Perry, was a known naval hero in the War of 1812).
Across from Touro Park is the Newport Tower Museum, which offers a wealth of information and theories on the origins of the Newport Tower.
No matter its true origin and purpose, the Newport Tower will continue to be an interesting and mysterious icon in Newport, Rhode Island.