Fort Getty Through the Years. A Rich History!
Pre-1900 - Known originally as Fox Hill the land was a strategic vantage point used by the British and colonial forces to control shipping in Narragansett bay during the Revolutionary War.
1901–1905 – In 1900, the federal government confiscates 41 acres of Fox Hill to build a fortification to protect Narragansett Bay. They name it after Col.George W Getty.
1917–1918 – During World War I, the fort serves as an active military installation.
1941–1945 – During World War II, Fort Getty is reactivated as part of the Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay.
1945–1946 – German prisoners of war are housed at Fort Getty as part of a pioneering postwar re-education program promoting democratic values. The stone entrance pillars at the park are believed to have been built by POWs during this period.
1955 – The Town of Jamestown purchases Fort Getty from the federal government for use as a public park, preserving this remarkable waterfront for future generations.
1950s–1960s – The park evolves into a destination for picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and family recreation.
1960s – Various proposals are put forward for alternative uses of Fort Getty, including a marina development, reflecting the community’s ongoing debate about the park’s future.
1970s – A proposal is advanced to locate the town’s sewage treatment plant at Fort Getty, sparking one of the most divisive public discussions in Jamestown’s history.
1974 – The colorful “Circus by the Sea” arrives at Fort Getty, becoming one of the park’s most memorable and talked-about events.
1970s – Other ideas for the property, including a car race track, are considered but ultimately never come to fruition, underscoring how many different visions have existed for this special place.
1970s–1990s – Fort Getty hosts beloved community traditions, including Jamestown Family Day, which drew more than 5,000 people together to celebrate the island’s spirit and heritage with a Firework finale.
2000s–Present – Fort Getty continues to provide opportunities for camping, waterfront recreation, community gatherings, environmental education, and enjoying some of Jamestown’s most spectacular public views.
Source: Jamestown Press
Today – Friends of Fort Getty Park advocates for a future that honors the park’s rich history by ensuring it remains a welcoming, accessible place that serves the entire community for generations to come.
Share your memories!
Do you have old photographs, family stories, newspaper clippings, or memories of Fort Getty through the years? We’d love to help preserve and share them with the community.
Email your photos, stories, and historical materials to info@friendsoffortgettypark.com and help us build a living history of Fort Getty for future generations.