Images of the Ocean House

The Ocean House at the time of the Civil War
I have this photograph which shows the Ocean House, in its original form, in the overall context of Watch Hill just after the Civil War. The original photo was taken from a spot not far from today's Misquamicut Club Beach Club. The Ocean House is at far left, set up on the hill. Also visible are the Atlantic House, as well as the original (circa 1845) Watch Hill House. The origins of Mastuxet Terrace are visible descending from the facade of the Atlantic House. Concurrently, the vestiges of a future Plimpton Road seem to lead up the to the Ocean House. The large boat shed seems to mark the site of a future Narragansett Inn. Althought the Narragansett Inn claims to have been built in the 1840's, this photograph would seem to indicate that the original structure was located elsewhere. Indeed, it is said that at the turn of the century there were over 2000 hotels beds available in Watch Hill. The Ocean House was eighth in size of about fifteen hostelries in the area at the time.

The faintly recognizable structure just to the right of the original Watch Hill House is reputed to be a large swing, the view from which was said to be absolutely astounding.

Submitted by Bob Lezinski

Back to the Gallery Main Page