Few People Know The Tragic Love Story Behind This Unusual Tower In Rhode Island
Natalie Clunan
Author
Tragic love stories pull on everyone’s heartstrings. The tale of Romeo and Juliet is probably the most famous of all time. But not many know that Rhode Island has an equally tragic romance lingering in its past and the story lives on at the Hannah Robinson Tower in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Hannah Robinson was born in 1746 to a wealthy family. She was said to be one of the most beautiful ladies of her time. Hannah should have lived a charmed life but as we all know when you throw love into the mix, sometimes things go awry.
Once Hannah got older, she attended a finishing school in Newport where she fell hopelessly in love with her dancing and French teacher, Pierre Simond. The two knew that their romance had obstacles, namely Hannah's father. Peter did not have a family background nor the funds to be considered an appropriate match for Hannah.
Is it any surprise that the couple managed to elope? Under the cover of darkness and with the help of friends, Pierre and Hannah escaped to Providence to be married. And as it frequently happens, fathers are right, and the romance quickly soured. After being cut off monetarily and receiving no financial support from her family, Pierre showed that he was truly after Hannah's fortune. He abandoned her in Providence in poverty and Hannah began to waste away.
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She grew sicker and sicker until, finally, her accomplices in the elopement gave her permission to tell their names. Her father arrived to retrieve Hannah and was shocked by her sickly appearance. He hired strong men to carry her home and on the way, Hannah asked to visit that rock where she had perched one last time.
Hannah Robinson arrived home and lived for a short time thereafter dying at the young age of 27.
You can climb to the top of the tower and take the short trail to see Hannah’s rock. Find the tower at the interchange between U.S. Route 1 (Tower Hill Road) and Route 138 (Bridgetown Road) in South Kingstown. To see a map, click here.
Did you ever hear of the story of this tragic romance? Have you been to Hannah Robinson Tower in South Kingstown, Rhode Island? Share your experience in the comments! Do you enjoy getting a glimpse into Rhode Island’s past? Take a look at these old photos of Rhode Island from the early 1900s that offer a rare peek at our history.
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More to Explore
Scenic Overlooks In Rhode Island
Are there any other scenic overlooks in Rhode Island?
Hannah Robinson Tower in South Kingstown, Rhode Island offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. However, it’s not the only place to drink in beautiful views. Here are several other scenic overlooks in Rhode Island:
- Prospect Terrace in Providence promises jaw-dropping views of the city. You definitely don’t want to forget your camera for this one.
- Also in Providence, Neutaconkanut Hill Park has some of the best views of the city skyline. Explore this pretty Providence park on a hiking trail before admiring the views.
- Stroll along the Cliff Walk in Newport, which boasts some of the most amazing views in all of Rhode Island. Walk all or just some of the 3.5-mile walking path that hugs Narragansett Bay.
- For some of the best views in Rhode Island, take the ferry to Block Island and New Shoreham’s Mohegan Bluffs. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, walk down (then back up!) the more than 141 steps. Both the views from the top and the bottom of the bluffs are well worth the effort.
Are there any hiking trails in Rhode Island that lead to overlooks?
You can pretty much find for whatever you’re looking when you go hiking in Rhode Island, including overlooks with spellbinding views. These hiking trails, in fact, lead to some of the best overlooks in Rhode Island, including:
- The Mercer Trail meanders through Wolf Hill Forest Preserve in Smithfield and shows off jaw-dropping views of the Providence skyline.
- Follow the Diamond Hill Trail at Diamond Hill State Park in Cumberland, where you’ll be treated to sweeping forest views. Make it a point to visit during the fall foliage, too.
- Wander along a scenic path at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. Stand on the cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the ocean.