Little Compton, Rhode Island: The Spite Tower
Stumpy tower was built over 100 years ago, said to have the express purpose of blocking the view of a quarreling neighbor.
- Address:
- 4 Old Harbor Rd, Little Compton, RI
- Directions:
- I-195 to MA-88S exit 16 in Massachusetts. Drive south on MA-88S for seven miles. Turn right at the stoplight onto Hixbridge Rd, then right at the stop sign onto Main Rd, then the first left onto Adamsville Rd. Drive 2.5 miles into Rhode Island, then turn left onto Old Harbor Rd. Tower is ahead on the left. Private property visible from street.
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Built in 1905 for Dr. John Hathaway. According to local lore, Hathaway and his friend Abraham Manchester, a local store owner, had a falling out. Manchester's sisters would signal him that meals were ready by placing a white cloth in the window of their home that could be seen from the store. The doctor had the tower built in the line of sight between Manchester's store and his sisters home to spite his former friend and spoil his dinner.
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