The Plucky Plum Beach Lighthouse: A Rhode Island Tale Spanning 122 Years

The Plucky Plum Beach Lighthouse: A Rhode Island Tale Spanning 122 Years

In 1899, the Plum Beach Lighthouse in Rhode Island's North Kingstown made its debut, navigating life's ups and downs like an old-school sitcom. In the 1940s, it hit a rough patch when the Jamestown Bridge was built, much like being overshadowed by a fresh Netflix series. But that old dog still had some new tricks up its sleeve. The drama took another turn in 1999 when local pals, the Friends group, took charge. Flip to 2003, and lo and behold, she was all dolled up once more, landing a sweet spot on the National Register of Historic Places. An exterior makeover gave her another lease on life. Top that off with a lit beacon recognized as a Coast Guard Private Aid to Navigation, and you've got the makings of a beloved icon.

1899 marked the humble beginnings of our Plum Beach Lighthouse in Rhode Island's North Kingstown, setting sail on the wide ocean of life. In the 1940s, the Jamestown Bridge cast a long shadow, leaving our lighthouse feeling a bit overlooked, just like yesterday's TV phenomena. But hey, we all have our off days. The tides started to turn in 1999 when the Friends group stepped in to take up her cause. Cut to 2003, and our lighthouse was ready to strut her stuff again, earning a well-deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

A complete makeover gave her exterior a fresh coat of paint, solidifying her position as Rhode Island's shining gem. And, let’s not forget about the beacon, which was reactivated and recognized as a Coast Guard Private Aid to Navigation. So, buckle up as we reminisce about the highs, lows, and the in-betweens that have carved this Rhode Island treasure into the enduring icon she is today.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Friendly Jane

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