It’s no secret that Rhode Island is a small state (the smallest, in fact). That being said, it still has a few hidden gems that some Rhode Islanders have never heard of. Prudence Island is one of those places… and even if you’ve heard of it, you may not know its interesting history.
Prudence Island is in Narragansett Bay, located just a few miles southwest of Bristol.
Shaun C Williams / Flickr This is the third-largest island in the state, but that’s not saying much – less than 100 people call it home.
This island is extremely remote, but for those who know of it, that’s part of its appeal.
David Smith / Flickr This is a nature lover’s dream and an ideal spot for kayaking, beach-combing, hiking, and enjoying some peace and quiet.
The island was entirely wooded until the Revolutionary War, when the British used it as a source of lumber.
Juni0r75 / Wikipedia During the war, Captain James Wallace raided Prudence Island for livestock and attacked American forces, losing a dozen soldiers in the process.
One of the few attractions remaining on the island is the Prudence Island Schoolhouse, the one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1896.
Juni0r75 / Wikipedia Last year, the school was turned over to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
Prudence Island’s one lighthouse, known locally as the Sandy Point Lighthouse, dates all the way back to 1823.
Charles W Bash / Flickr This is one of the few lighthouses in the country that its original bird-cage lantern. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
This is one of the most remote places in Rhode Island, but it’s also a wonderful place to explore.
David Smith / Flickr And since all it takes to reach is a quick ferry from Bristol, it’s a great day trip destination.
Fellow Rhode Islanders, have you ever checked out Prudence Island?
Shaun C Williams / Flickr
This is the third-largest island in the state, but that’s not saying much – less than 100 people call it home.
David Smith / Flickr
This is a nature lover’s dream and an ideal spot for kayaking, beach-combing, hiking, and enjoying some peace and quiet.
Juni0r75 / Wikipedia
During the war, Captain James Wallace raided Prudence Island for livestock and attacked American forces, losing a dozen soldiers in the process.
Last year, the school was turned over to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
Charles W Bash / Flickr
This is one of the few lighthouses in the country that its original bird-cage lantern. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
And since all it takes to reach is a quick ferry from Bristol, it’s a great day trip destination.
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Address: Prudence Island, Portsmouth, RI, USA
