Napatree Point

Rhode Island's ghost towns are tiny mill villages, the smallest state's smallest ruins.

Napatree Point is the southernmost and westernmost point of mainland Rhode Island. Often referred to simply as Napatree, it is a long sandy spit created by a geologic process called longshore drift. Up until the Hurricane of 1938, Napatree was 3 mi (4.8 km) and sickle-shaped and included a 1.5 mi (2.4 km) long northern extension called Sandy Point, today an island. Napatree now extends 1.5 mi (2.4 km) westward from the business district of Watch Hill, a village in Westerly, Rhode Island, forming a protected harbor.

The on-the-ground condition of Napatree Point is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Napatree Point is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Napatree Point is roughly 41.3169, -71.8739 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.