Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA (Point Judith)
1892 - Narragansett Pier

NARRAGANSETT PIER

The unsurpassed location of Narragansett Pier as a watering-place of unexceptional advantages has attracted visitors here from all parts of the world, and made it a famous summer resort and a worthy rival of Newport. Situated at the head of Narragansett Bay, it faces the broad Atlantic, and on its magnificent stretch of sandy beach the breakers roll in with all the grandeur and sublimity that the most vivid imagination could conjure, and in their soothing roar the hum of business activity and the city's bustle is forgotten, and tired brains are lulled into the repose that brings them much needed rest with the same benefits as a trip across the ocean. Within a comparatively few years this noted resort has sprung into prosperity 'as from the stroke of an enchanter's wand', and to-day boasts about twenty magnificent hotels accommodating each from fifty to two hundred guests, and many elegant cottages are occupied. In fact there never has been such a demand for cottages as there has been for this season (1892). The improvements which have recently been made is almost astonishing and adds greatly to the comfort and convenience of guests as well as to the attractiveness of the Pier. A durable sea-wall of one thousand feet, which is to be continued another thousand feet at the close of the season, has been erected which affords protection to those driving along the ocean front, and a fine broad walk has been built along this sea-wall, giving a thoroughly safe place to those who wish to enjoy a moonlight stroll. In addition to these improvements a new passenger station will be finished by May, 1893, at a cost of $30,000. It will be constructed of quarry-faced granite and hard pine after the style of the Casino, and every convenience is to be provided including a covered archway for private carriages, etc. The grounds adjoining are to be laid out as a park, and in many different ways the Pier is to be adorned everywhere. The roads have all been recently repaired, and fine driving is to be had everywhere, and the district has been thoroughly policed. The Casino is on the plan of that of Newport, and a magnificent orchestra is always in attendance. Balls, amateur theatricals, concerts, etc., are held here which are of the highest order of merit, and which are largely attended at all times by the summer population which comprises the most select families and visitors from both continents. Besides this every amusement is provided that both sexes can indulge in, such as tennis tournaments, bowling, billiards, etc.; and with the addition of Sherry's this season, who is to form a rival to the Casino, the future of Narragansett Pier will not be outshone by any of its rivals on the coast, and presents an agreeable contrast to that beheld by our forefathers when the fierce conflicts raged for possession of this choice tract of country between them and the warlike tribe of Narragansett Indians that originally held possession here, and who realized as well as their white opponents that this beautiful spot, favored by climate, ocean, and land, was well worth fighting for - which has been realized in its brilliant prosperity.

Industries and Wealth of the Principal Points in Rhode Island, being the city of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Newport, Narragansett Pier, Bristol & Westerly.
New York: A. F. Parsons Publishing Co., 1892



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