Charlestown Breachway State Beach

Charlestown Breachway State Beach is a seaside public recreation area on Block Island Sound in the town of Charlestown, Rhode Island. It is located on the east side of the manmade channel (the "Breachway") that connects Ninigret Pond with the Atlantic Ocean.[3]

Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Charlestown Breachway
Map showing the location of Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Map showing the location of Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Location in Rhode Island
LocationCharlestown, Rhode Island, United States
Coordinates41°21′24″N 71°38′21″W[1]
Area79 acres (32 ha)[2]
Elevation0 ft (0 m)[1]
Established1952
AdministratorRhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation
WebsiteCharlestown Breachway

History

The first attempt to create a breachway from Pawaget/Ninigret/Charlestown Pond to the ocean in 1897 ended in failure although $1000 had been awarded to the cause.[4]

In 1904, the General Assembly appropriated $5000 for construction of a permanent breachway that would help the pond from becoming brackish and unsuitable for cultivating oysters. Colonel Rodman of the Rhode Island Engineers Office surveyed the site and proposed building jetties on either side of the breachway. The contract was awarded to John Bristow of South Kingstown, who had built the breakwater at Point Judith. Stone for the east jetty was carried to the site by a horse-drawn narrow-gauge railroad.[4]

In 1951, the Rhode Island Division of Harbors and Rivers awarded a contract to rebuild the east wall and construct the west wall to a Westerly company, Gencarelli Inc. After four months of work in severe weather, the Charleston Beachway Beach was officially opened on April 7, 1952.[4]

Aerial view of Charlestown Breachway (2021)

Activities and amenities

The area offers 75 camping sites for self-contained RVs, ocean swimming, beach activities, salt-water fishing, and a boat launch. It is open seasonally.[4][5][6]

References
  1. "Charlestown Breachway". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. "Charlestown Breachway". Charlestown Citizens Alliance. March 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  3. "Charlestown Breachway". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  4. "Charlestown Breachway History". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  5. "Charlestown Breachway: Campground Details". Welcome to RI State Parks. Rhode Island State. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  6. "Rhode Island State Beaches: Parking Passes". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
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