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.

A Greek restaurant hiding inside a jazz club, a reimagined oyster bar and a group of diners with matching notebooks: meet the people keeping local restaurants buzzing
The Blazejewski era begins in the Rhode Island House
The complaint, filed while Shekarchi was still giving his farewell speech, says ethics code bars elected officials from seeking state employment for one year after leaving office; Ethics Commission expected to take up the matter June 2
Meanwhile, the undocumented immigrant suspected of murder at the center of the dispute remains at large
The Providence Democrat was ushered in after Rep. Joe Shekarchi resigned the post. Rep. Katherine Kazarian of East Providence was elected the first female House majority leader
Warwick Democrat’s departure reshuffles Statehouse leadership, could put first woman in majority leader role