Roger Wheeler State Beach

Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is a public recreation area covering on Block Island Sound in the town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. The area offers picnicking, ocean swimming, and a playground and is open seasonally.

History

The beach became state property when it was seized from Tory sympathizers during the American Revolutionary War. Known as Sand Hill Cove, it became Rhode Island's first state beach when 27 acres were transferred to Metropolitan Park Commission in 1929. In 1970, the beach was renamed in honor of Captain Roger W. Wheeler, the founder of the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.