Castle Hill Light Is The Most Photographed Lighthouse In Rhode Island

New England has some rather remarkable lighthouses, especially Rhode Island. The Ocean State is home to 15 lighthouses, some of which are so frequently photographed, they’ve become iconic. The Castle Hill Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in the state, and it’s easy to see why.

The Castle Hill Lighthouse is located on Narragansett Bay in Newport.

JDBonthemove /TripAdvisor And this beauty isn’t just a landmark. It’s an active navigation aid for vessels entering the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Aquidneck Island.

The application for this lighthouse began in 1869, and construction was finally completed in 1890.

cmh2315fl / Flickr The land around the lighthouse had belonged to Alexander Agassiz, a noted industrialist and biologist at Harvard University. He initially refused to sell the land to the government, but he eventually deeded it out for $1.

The 1,286-pound fog bell was reinstalled twice before the year 1900.

Ken Zirkel / Flickr Part of the problem was that Alexander Agassiz, who still owned a home near the lighthouse, complained to the Lighthouse Board. A screen was soon near the bell to deaden the sound in his direction.

This little lighthouse has survived quite a bit of inclement weather, including the Great Hurricane of 1938.

JNCFargo / TripAdvisor While the tower was able to withstand the passing waves, the keeper’s residence was destroyed.

The Coast Guard replaced the keeper’s residence a few years after the hurricane.

vbmegs / TripAdvisor But by 1957, the lighthouse was automated. This development has been quite a game-changer.

The Castle Hill Light is not open to the public, but the grounds are adjacent to the Castle Hill Inn and Resort, which are open to the public.

Amy W / TripAdvisor The lighthouse is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the tower is closed. However, it’s still possible to get some great shots.

It’s easy to see why the Castle Hill Lighthouse is popular with photographers – it’s pretty photogenic.

AngieSyracuse_NY / TripAdvisor And while it isn’t Rhode Island’s oldest lighthouse, it’s certainly one of the most recognizable to those outside of New England.

The Castle Hill Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1888. Check it out the next time you’re in Newport.

JDBonthemove /TripAdvisor

And this beauty isn’t just a landmark. It’s an active navigation aid for vessels entering the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Aquidneck Island.

cmh2315fl / Flickr

The land around the lighthouse had belonged to Alexander Agassiz, a noted industrialist and biologist at Harvard University. He initially refused to sell the land to the government, but he eventually deeded it out for $1.

Ken Zirkel / Flickr

Part of the problem was that Alexander Agassiz, who still owned a home near the lighthouse, complained to the Lighthouse Board. A screen was soon near the bell to deaden the sound in his direction.

JNCFargo / TripAdvisor

While the tower was able to withstand the passing waves, the keeper’s residence was destroyed.

vbmegs / TripAdvisor

But by 1957, the lighthouse was automated. This development has been quite a game-changer.

Amy W / TripAdvisor

The lighthouse is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the tower is closed. However, it’s still possible to get some great shots.

AngieSyracuse_NY / TripAdvisor

And while it isn’t Rhode Island’s oldest lighthouse, it’s certainly one of the most recognizable to those outside of New England.

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Address: Castle Hill Lighthouse, 800-870 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA