The History Behind This Hotel In Rhode Island Is Both Eerie And Fascinating
By Jessica Wick|Published January 21, 2021
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
One of the many benefits of living in one of the oldest states in America is being surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. Rhode Island has so many spots with stories that span centuries that it’s common to hear a lengthy backstory about every restaurant, theater, and hotel we visit. With roots dating back to 1875, it’s safe to say the Castle Hill Inn is home to quite a few memories and secrets. Some even say there are guests who have never left.
The Castle Hill Inn is located on Newport's stunning Ocean Drive.
The original building was commissioned by Alexander Agassiz, a marine biologist at Harvard University. He and his family intended to use it as a summer home.
But when Rhode Island experienced the great hurricane of 1938, the water levels rose so much that the peninsula was completely cut off from the mainland.
This was temporary, but the effects were permanent. Life was never the same for the family. Mrs. Maximillian Agassiz, Alexander's daughter-in-law, became so frightened that she refused to ever return.
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Believe it or not, the hotel then spent some time as an impromptu naval base during World War II.
After the war ended, the building was transformed into a summer hotel. Some high profile celebrities stayed here, including Grace Kelly, who called it home while filming High Society in the 1950s.
Both hotel staff and guests have reported seeing a female ghost walking through the hotel. The spirit, which is said to be a relative of Alexander Agassiz, has even been accused of throwing china from time to time.
The female ghost has been seen here for over 25 years, so it's safe to say she isn't going anywhere.
