Brenton Point Sea Wall
Works Progress Administration marker at Brenton Point
If you visit the Newport Mansions or downtown Newport, Rhode Island, chances are you may have visited Brenton Point, a picturesque view of Narragansett Bay.
Brenton Point Sea Wall
The seawall between the Ocean Beach and the rocky beach was put up in 1935 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This was all part of the New Deal put in place by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that helps bring prosperity around the country.
The wall was put up to protect the erosion that was occurring around Brenton Point State Park.
If you go down the stairs near the only jetty at Brenton Point, you should see the marker of the Works Progress Administration.
About the Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious American New Deal agency, employing millions of people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads.
Other Work in this area include:
- The Cliff Walk Sidewalk
- Vernon Park Improvements and Slide
- Cardines Field
You can find all the other historic work requested by the Works in Progress Administration on the Living New Deal website.