Fort Ninigret

Overview

When It Was Active: 700-1300 A.D. and during 17th century
Occupied By: Unidentified Native American tribe and the Niantics
Built By: Native Americans circa 700 AD

Area

Hidden in a quiet little neighborhood, this historic park offers a tranquil view of Tautog Cove. The site is very accessible for small groups of people, and a dirt parking lot offers space for a handful of cars. The terrain is well landscaped but be careful of the trenches that surround the parapets. The best way to enter the fort is through the three entrances on the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwestern sides of the fort.

Construction

The basic foundation of Fort Ninigret is still visible today even after hundreds of years of use. Originally built in 700 A.D., most of the construction was done without the iron tools that would later be brought over by the Europeans. The fort is 170 ft by 150 ft with three bastions, each 20 square feet on the corners. The main entrance on the South-West side facing the water is the only side not containing a bastion. It is also indicated that the main entrance was here by the break in the ditches surrounding the fort. Ditches were dug three feet deep surrounded by palisades. The Earth that was dug up was used to form walls. Many excavations were done here, revealing that the embankment was rebuilt after the Natives to make the fort more outlined.

Strategy

It is clear that Fort Ninigret is placed at a very strategic position just by the clear view of the water. It was very easy to detect and launch any boats if needed, indicating that this was a high traffic location. The fort was also placed on the highest spot near the water. Evidence suggests that the Niantics utilized this position as a popular trading post. Through archaeological digs, many Dutch artifacts were found, signifying trade relations. The natural harbor of this waterway protected the ships from rough seas. It is also believed that Europeans made contact here in the 1500s.

Narrative

The easily accessible harbor of this site reveals much of the history behind it. As previously mentioned, this was a trading post for the Niantics, however, it also served as an important source of shellfish. The accessible harbor served as an important source of oysters and quahogs which the Natives used for both food and Wampum. During the spring and summer months, the Niantics would harvest their catch and dry the shellfish. During the winter, the shells would be brought back to their tribes and crafted into Wampum beads. Archaeological excavations in the early 1800’s unearthed the burial site of several Royal Members of the Niantics. Those remains have since been removed.

"Memorial to the Niantics and Narragansetts Unwavering Friends and Allies of our Fathers."

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