Rose Island Arboretum

Rose Island, a historic 18-acre island in the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, consists of a wildlife refuge, the lighthouse, and the Fort Hamilton Barracks. Rose Island Lighthouse was established in 1870 at the request of the Fall River and Bristol Ferry Lines, however, was abandoned after the construction of the Pell-Newport Bridge in 1971. The City of Newport took over the property in 1984, and The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation (RILF) restored the lighthouse and began managing the property, relighting the light in 1993.

The mission of the Rose Island Arboretum is to preserve the historic and environmental integrity of the property of Rose Island and to provide education and public access for all people.