Ida Lewis Revered as America’s Bravest Woman

She saved 18 people while keeping watch at the Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport Harbor

New England Historical Society
Share
New England Historical Society
Ida Lewis Revered as America’s Bravest Woman
Copy

Did you know the so-called “bravest woman in America” was from Newport? Ida Lewis saved about 16 people during her time as the keeper at the Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport Harbor, but rescuing two soldiers from drowning when their boat capsized on March 29, 1869, gained her national attention.

Lewis’ final rescue came in 1906, when she was 64. The lighthouse is now named in her honor.

Get the full story in the reel below.

The Rams, 10-2, will host Central Connecticut on Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs
Tracing the Thanksgiving bird’s tangled etymology — from Mexico to Europe and back again
This Black Friday, before you click ‘buy,’ it’s worth knowing that many retailers have quietly tightened their return policies
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s pantries and meal sites served some 100,000 people last month — the most in its history
With gubernatorial primary more than 10 months out many voters still undecided
Coalition claims Trump administration’s move to shift Continuum of Care funds toward transitional housing ‘will lead to predictably disastrous results’