History/Info:
Watch Hill Tower was originally built in the early 1700's. But it wasn't originally built as a lighthouse but rather as an early warning lookout during the King George War in the 1740's. It wasn't made into a lighthouse until the early 1800's.

It is now owned by the Coast Guard and is closed to the public although you can walk the grounds outside of the fenced in area.

The following is from the Internet Public Library:
This 45-foot tall square granite tower, attached to a square dwelling, is located on the north side of the east entrance to Fishers Island Sound. It replaced the first tower at this point near the Connecticut state line that had been built in 1807. The nearby oil house now houses a maritime museum, and restoration of the keeper's dwelling is underway by the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association.

Hours:
The lighthouse is closed to the public. The grounds and a museum in the oil house are open limited hours in summer. There is no parking near the lighthouse; visitors must park in town and walk.

Latitude/Longitude: 41°18'N 71°52'W

Directions: click here for map

• Take 1A south out of Westerly into Watch Hill.
• Take a right onto Watch Hill road. Watch Hill Road ends and bears slightly right turning into Wauwinnet Road which then turns into Bay St.. Follow it into the village. (CHECK THE MAP)
• As you go through the village with shops on your left and parking lots on the right, the road bears to the right and up a hill.
• Try to park about 3/4 of the way up the hill before it bears to the left. There is a small road (possibly unmarked) about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up the hill on the right. Walk down that road. It'll lead you to the lighthouse. You will be walking amongst some very nice houses.