Jamestown is located in
Newport County. Historic Jamestown, on Cananicut island, is accessible by bridges from
Newport on the east and from the mainland at Plum Point on Hwy 138 on the west. Burned by the British in 1775, the city still boasts several historic homes.
The original Beavertail Lighthouse at the southern tip of the island was established in 1749. The site is one of the oldest lighthouse locations in the country. The present lighthouse, closed to visitors, was built in 1856. A pictorial display at the assistant lightkeeper's house chronicles the history of lighthouses.
In addition, the town boasts military and agricultural interest. Three U.S. forts guard the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
Jamestown is part of the Providence-Fall River-Warwick metro area.
