Standing guard over the sparkling waters of Newport Harbor in Rhode Island, Fort Adams is more than just a historic military fortress—it’s a dense tapestry of American history, architectural evolution, and mysterious happenings that beckon both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring the sprawling tunnels beneath the fort’s surface or walking the windswept ramparts with views of Narragansett Bay, visitors can’t help but feel the weight and wonder of the past pressing in. And if you ask around, you might also hear whispers of ghostly soldiers, echoes of past battles, and unexplained phenomena deep within its aging stone walls. If you’re craving a travel experience steeped in both history and the supernatural, Fort Adams may just be your next must-see haunt.
The History
Early Beginnings: Colonial and Revolutionary Period
Fort Adams sits on the southern tip of Newport in what is today Fort Adams State Park. The location’s military history dates back to the colonial period when initial fortifications were built to protect the bustling Newport Harbor from naval threats. During the American Revolution, British troops occupied Newport from 1776 to 1779. At that time, only rudimentary defenses—earthen and wooden structures—existed on this strategic point.
After the British evacuation, the fledgling U.S. government recognized the need for more solid coastal defenses to protect against future threats, particularly from sea powers. An early version of a fort, named Fort Adams in honor of President John Adams, was constructed in 1799. However, that first iteration was a relatively modest structure and was soon considered obsolete.
The “New” Fort Adams: 1824–1857
The current, much larger Fort Adams that stands today was built beginning in 1824 and completed in 1857. Designed by French military engineer Simon Bernard—who had served under Napoleon—the new Fort Adams was part of the United States’ “Third System” of coastal fortifications. Upon completion, it was one of the most complex and impressive bastioned fort systems in North America.
The fort expanded to accommodate nearly 200 cannons and garrison upwards of 2,400 soldiers. Its state-of-the-art design included a series of underground tunnels, powder magazines, and an innovative dry moat system, making it nearly impervious to 19th-century attack strategies. Interestingly, the fort never saw active combat, but its presence served as a powerful deterrent throughout the 19th century.
The Civil War and Later Military Use
During the Civil War, Fort Adams served as a training and staging ground for Union soldiers, and many troops passed through its massive gates on their way to the front lines. Modifications were made at various times to adjust to advancements in military technology, including the addition of new artillery placements.
The fort was also active during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, though its role diminished significantly as military strategies shifted and more modern bases were built elsewhere. By the mid-20th century, Fort Adams was decommissioned as an active U.S. Army post, and in 1965, the site was transferred to the State of Rhode Island to be used as a public historical site and park.
Modern-Day Fort Adams
Today, Fort Adams is a National Historic Landmark and centerpiece of Fort Adams State Park. It’s also the home of several culturally significant events, including the Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals, which draw thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors can participate in guided tours—some of which delve into the fort’s extensive subterranean tunnels—and explore what was once one of America’s most important coastal strongholds. But for those with a more supernatural focus, the real excitement begins when learning about the legends that linger behind its stone walls.
The Haunt
While Fort Adams has no shortage of documented history, it’s the undocumented—or rather, unexplained—elements that have intrigued ghost hunters and paranormal investigators for decades. Local legends, firsthand reports, and documented investigations all suggest that Fort Adams might be one of Rhode Island’s most haunted locations.
Unexplained Noises and Apparitions
Reports of spectral activity at Fort Adams are numerous and varied. During the day, guides and visitors have reported hearing footsteps echo through empty stone corridors. Others have claimed to hear muffled voices, cannon fire, or military commands echoing through the tunnels—long after the last soldier stood post.
There have also been sightings of full-body apparitions, often described as men in 19th-century military garb. These ghostly soldiers are most frequently seen in the casemates and tunnel systems, sometimes disappearing into solid walls or vanishing down darkened passageways.
Cold Spots and Eerie Feelings
Experienced paranormal investigators often report strong electromagnetic field (EMF) readings in the fort’s enclosed areas—particularly the powder magazine rooms and tunnel networks. These readings are sometimes accompanied by sudden, unexplained cold spots, even in Rhode Island’s sweltering summer months.
Some visitors describe a heavy atmosphere or a sense of being watched in certain areas of the fort. This sensation has even caused a few guests to cut their visits short, unwilling to continue their exploration beyond specific rooms or corridors.
Paranormal Investigations and Events
Fort Adams has gained the attention of several regional and national paranormal research groups. Investigations using spirit boxes, EMF meters, thermal imaging, and digital voice recorders have captured strange anomalies, unexplained noises, and eerie EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings of voices thought to be soldiers or prisoners still haunting the grounds.
The fort occasionally hosts special ghost tours and paranormal events, particularly around Halloween. These guided nighttime tours delve deeper into the haunted history and offer brave visitors a chance to explore after hours. It’s an atmospheric experience like no other—with shadows clinging to old stone walls, the distant sounds of the bay, and the ever-present whisper of the past brushing at your shoulder.
Historical Tragedies Lend Weight to the Tales
Though Fort Adams never saw a major battle, its long occupation and use mean that lives were undoubtedly lost within its stone gates. Mysterious illnesses, training accidents, and harsh New England winters contributed to the loss of soldiers. Some say a few of these men never left; their untimely deaths and unfinished business keep them wandering, watching, reaching out to those of us still breathing.
Calling All Ghost Hunters
If you’re a history lover with a paranormal streak, Fort Adams is a dream destination. It offers the rare combination of well-preserved military architecture and a compelling dose of the mysterious. From stone-lit corridors and underground tunnels to shadow-drenched gunrooms, the fort is steeped in an energy that feels timeless—and at times, otherworldly.
Whether you’re armed with ghost-hunting gadgets or just your curiosity and a flashlight, Fort Adams welcomes brave souls to step into its shadows and uncover the stories that remain untold. Explore during the day for the rich history, then stay into evening (if you dare) to seek out the spirits that may still serve behind those weathered stone walls.
So pack your gear, charge your EMF detector, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Fort Adams is waiting—with open gates, a sweeping view of the Atlantic, and just maybe, a ghost or two waiting to say hello.