History of the Ocean House

A National Landmark

Built in 1868, the Ocean House remained the only standing hotel from the glory days of the Victorian era. Mid-way between Boston and New York, the big yellow hotel became, at the turn of the Twentieth Century, an innovative landmark physically and socially.

For instance, Watch Hill's Ocean House was the first resort hotel in the country to offer telephone service, which made it a target for businessmen from major cities since they could access their offices while away on vacation. Perhaps even more importantly, the Ocean House was the first hotel to offer indoor plumbing!

As we have witnessed in the two years since the establishment officially closed her doors, the charm of the place reached well beyond Watch Hill. Visitors, guests, staff, day trippers, bar attendees, and patrons from all over the country found their way to the big yellow hotel, removed from time, rising majestically on the bluff over Watch Hill.