Fort Adams

Fort Adams

Fort Adams is a former United States Army post in Newport, Rhode Island, established on July 4, 1799 as a First System coastal fortification, and named for President John Adams, who was in office at the time.

It is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic architecture and stunning views of Newport Harbor.

Its first commander was Captain John Henry, who was later instrumental in starting the War of 1812. The current Fort Adams was built 1824 - 1857 under the Third System of coastal forts. Today, the fort is part of Fort Adams State Park.

The War Department was concerned about the political sympathies of residents in Maryland during the American Civil War, so the United States Naval Academy was moved in 1861 from Annapolis to Fort Adams. In September 1861, the academy moved to the Atlantic House Hotel in Newport and remained there for the rest of the war.

Location

1799, rebuilt 1824
Newport, Rhode Island
USA

Getting There

The best way to reach Fort Adams by public transportation is to take the RIPTA bus. Bus route 64 stops at the Fort Adams State Park entrance, and runs from Newport's Gateway Center to Fort Adams every hour from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily during the summer season (late June through Labor Day).

If you are traveling from Providence, you can take the MBTA Commuter Rail to the Providence station, then transfer to the RIPTA bus at the Kennedy Plaza station.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in Rhode Island that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.