During the 19th century, Newport was the only deep water harbor between New York and Boston which could serve as a base for a large fleet of warships. Fort Adams was located at a crucial point where it could prevent the entry of enemy warships into both Newport harbor and Narragansett Bay.

[ Along Bottom of Marker : ]Report of 1850 – Armament Planned for Fort Adams

59   42 Pounders             21   18 Pounders

90   32 Pounders             13   12 Pounders

98   24 Pounders             12   Field Pieces

83   Flank Howitzers       7   16-inch Stone Mortars

34   8-inch Howitzers       7   13-inch Mortars

12   10-inch Mortars         7   8-inch Mortars

25   Cohorns

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468 Total Artillery Pieces

Estimated Cost of Armament Including 100 Rounds

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$ 372,384.00

Marker can be reached from Fort Adams Drive, on the left when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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