Dutch island lighthouse in rhode island beach

Resources Calendar About. Dutch Island, RI. Photo Gallery. Visitor Info. Dutch Island Lighthouse.

Dutch island ri

With a focal plane of fifty-six feet above the water, the light could be seen for thirteen nautical miles. The uprising prompted his quick return, and soon he was fighting in the Revolutionary War on the side of the colonists. In , Dennis, who commanded six different privateering vessels and had twice been taken prisoner during the war, was appointed the first keeper of Dutch Island Lighthouse at the ripe-old age of seventy-seven.

Toward the end of his service, Keeper Dennis was not up to the job of minding the light, so his son Robert took over most of the responsibilities. When complaints were made that Robert was not residing on the island, there was talk of removing his elderly father from the role of keeper, but Robert wrote an impassioned letter pleading that his father be allowed to live out his remaining days at the lighthouse.

William Dennis finally retired in August and then passed away one month later at the age of ninety-three. After Robert H.