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All the United States Rhode Island Westerly Flying Horse Carousel
AO Edited

Flying Horse Carousel

One of the oldest carousels in the United States is still running in the coastal village of Watch Hill.

Westerly, Rhode Island

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jakechouston
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Flying Horse Carousel  
Flying Horse Carousel  
The horses and interior landscapes are ornately decorated   Robellin
The structure containing the carousel   Daniel Case
Closeup of a plaque detailing the history of the carousel   Robellin
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About

The Flying Horse Carousel, built around 1876, should not be confused with Martha’s Vineyard’s Flying Horses Carousel. Both were manufactured by the Charles W. F. Dare Company, one of the leading amusement manufacturers at the time, and both contend to be the oldest continually operating carousel in the country.

Watch Hill’s carousel was never meant to end up in the coastal village; it was part of a traveling carnival, which abandoned it in Westerly in 1897. It was powered by a calico horse until 1897, when the horse was replaced by waterpower. Since 1914, the carousel has been operated by electricity. The ride was seriously damaged in a 1938 hurricane, but luckily all the horses were recovered from nearby sand dunes. 

Like a few other antique carousels in the United States, the Flying Horse has a device holding metal rings that lowers midway through the ride. Riders can grab the rings as they pass by. The last ring, made of brass, granted riders a free ride. Restorations and improvements have occurred over the years. The carousel is currently maintained by the Watch Hill Improvement Society.

Related Tags

Carousels Amusement Parks History & Culture Design

Know Before You Go

The carousel is open annually from June to Labor Day. Rides cost $2.00 for the outer horses and $1.00 for the inner horses.

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Added By

jakechouston

Edited By

jonathancarey

  • jonathancarey

Published

October 15, 2021

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  • https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NHLS/80000019_text
Flying Horse Carousel
153 Bay St
Westerly, Rhode Island, 02891
United States
41.309121, -71.858144
Get Directions

Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Westerly

Westerly

Rhode Island

Places 2

Nearby Places

Living Sharks Museum

Westerly, Rhode Island

miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Westerly

Westerly

Rhode Island

Places 2

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