Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., is known for its scenic coastline and rich history. However, it also has a collection of abandoned places that reveal a darker, forgotten side of its past. From decaying factories and grand mansions to old hospitals and forts, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into the state’s history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Rhode Island for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Ladd School (Exeter, Rhode Island)
The Ladd School, originally known as the "Rhode Island School for the Feeble-Minded," was built in 1908 as a facility for people with mental and developmental disabilities. Known for its overcrowding and inhumane conditions, the school was closed in 1994. Today, the abandoned campus is a haunting maze of decaying dormitories, peeling paint, and overgrown grounds. Stories of mistreatment and ghostly encounters have made it a popular destination for explorers and paranormal enthusiasts.
2. Fort Wetherill (Jamestown, Rhode Island)
Fort Wetherill, built in the early 20th century, was used as a coastal defense fort during both World Wars. Now abandoned, its concrete bunkers, dark tunnels, and graffiti-covered walls create an eerie atmosphere. Located on a cliff overlooking Narragansett Bay, the fort’s isolated position and decaying structures make it a popular spot for urban explorers and history buffs interested in military history.
3. Rocky Point Amusement Park (Warwick, Rhode Island)
Once a thriving amusement park on the shores of Narragansett Bay, Rocky Point opened in the 1840s and was a popular destination for Rhode Islanders for over a century. The park closed in 1995 due to financial troubles, leaving behind empty rides, decaying buildings, and overgrown paths. Though parts of the park have been redeveloped into a public park, much of the site retains its eerie, abandoned charm.
4. Belcourt Castle (Newport, Rhode Island)
Belcourt Castle was built in 1894 as a lavish summer home for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a wealthy financier and socialite. The mansion was left abandoned for years before being purchased and partially restored. However, parts of the grand estate remain in disrepair, with crumbling stone walls, overgrown gardens, and rumors of hauntings. The mansion’s eerie beauty makes it a unique destination for urban explorers interested in Rhode Island’s Gilded Age history.
5. Fort Adams (Newport, Rhode Island)
Fort Adams is one of the largest and most well-preserved coastal forts in the U.S., but parts of this 19th-century military installation remain abandoned and in disrepair. The dark, empty tunnels, crumbling barracks, and rusting cannons create a haunting atmosphere, especially in the fort’s abandoned sections. While much of the fort is open for tours, explorers can still find hidden, forgotten areas to explore.
6. The Cranston Street Armory (Providence, Rhode Island)
Built in 1907, the Cranston Street Armory was once used by the Rhode Island National Guard. The massive, castle-like structure features grand halls and towering turrets but has been largely abandoned since the 1990s. The armory’s decaying interiors, with their broken windows, peeling paint, and empty drill halls, offer a haunting reminder of the building’s military past. Plans for redevelopment have been discussed, but much of the site remains eerily vacant.
7. South Street Power Station (Providence, Rhode Island)
Once a vital source of power for the city, the South Street Power Station has been abandoned since the 1990s. The massive industrial complex, with its towering smokestacks, rusting machinery, and crumbling brick walls, creates a post-apocalyptic landscape in the heart of Providence. While parts of the building have been redeveloped, the decaying sections of the power plant remain a popular spot for urban explorers.
8. Seaview Terrace (Newport, Rhode Island)
Also known as Carey Mansion, Seaview Terrace is one of Newport’s grand Gilded Age mansions. The mansion was famously featured in the 1960s TV series "Dark Shadows" and has been left abandoned for many years. With its Gothic Revival architecture, overgrown gardens, and decaying interiors, the mansion has an eerie presence. Its haunting atmosphere has made it a popular destination for photographers and explorers.
9. Jerimoth Hill (Foster, Rhode Island)
Jerimoth Hill is the highest natural point in Rhode Island, but hidden nearby is an abandoned radio transmission station. The facility, once used for telecommunications, now stands abandoned, with rusting towers, overgrown equipment, and decaying buildings scattered across the hilltop. Though less well-known, this forgotten site offers an eerie exploration opportunity for those seeking a different kind of adventure in Rhode Island’s countryside.
10. Ponemah Mills (Taftville, Connecticut/Rhode Island border)
Technically located in Connecticut but near the Rhode Island border, the Ponemah Mills was once one of the largest textile mills in the country. Abandoned in the late 20th century, the sprawling red-brick mill buildings, with their broken windows, rusting machinery, and overgrown grounds, are an impressive sight. The mill is a relic of New England’s industrial past and a popular destination for urban explorers.
Conclusion
Rhode Island may be small, but its abandoned places tell fascinating stories of the state’s industrial, military, and social history. From decaying forts and grand mansions to forgotten schools and amusement parks, these locations provide a hauntingly beautiful experience for those who seek to explore the state’s hidden past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Rhode Island’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey through history and decay.
