Welcome to the Goddard Memorial, a historical landmark intricately woven into the narrative of Rhode Island’s past. The tale of Goddard Memorial begins in 1927 when the children of Colonel Robert Hale Ives Goddard gifted one of their family estates to the state to honor their father’s legacy. Colonel Goddard, born in 1837 to a family deeply rooted in Rhode Island’s history, was the son of William G. Goddard, the first Chancellor of Brown University. A man of notable character, Robert Goddard graduated from Brown University in 1858.
His commitment to his country became evident with the outbreak of the Civil War. Goddard enlisted as a private and fought in the first Battle of Bull Run. His military journey saw him serving as an aide to General Ambrose Burnside of Rhode Island, participating in key battles such as Fredericksburg and witnessing Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. After the war, he continued his service, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel.
Beyond his military career, Goddard was a progressive reformer. In 1906, he joined the Lincoln Party and served in the Rhode Island State Senate. His endeavors in politics were marked by a run for the U.S. Senate in 1907. Upon his death in 1923, his children honored his legacy by donating his estate to the state. This gift of nearly 490 acres transformed into what we now know as Goddard Memorial State Park.
The park officially opened in 1930, offering the public access to its Victorian-style mansion, golf course, and a variety of recreational facilities. The estate, once a private arboretum, boasts a rich collection of New England’s finest tree specimens. Over the years, Goddard Memorial has evolved, providing a serene escape for thousands of visitors annually and serving as a gateway to explore Rhode Island’s natural beauty.
