Galilee Salt Marsh

History

What is the Point Judith Harbor Refuge?

The salt marsh borders a barrier beach. The channel leading into Point Judith Pond has changed location over the years due in part to storms and erosion and composition of the barrier beach. The original breachway was a few hundred yards to the west. In 1890 the government decided to build a permanent channel and the Point Judith Harbor Refuge. The Refuge was built about a quarter mile off the beach, in the ocean. Two man-made jetties comprised of large rocks, stretch out from the east, near Point Judith Lighthouse, and the west, at Matunuck. A third jetty, in the shape of an elbow is located between the east and west jetty, separated from them by two channels. Construction was completed in 1910. The Refuge provided ships with a safe haven from storms and protects the shore. The jetties receive the impact of ocean waves, tides, and current.