Rhode Island Tercentenary Issue First Day Cover
300th Anniversary of the Settlement of Rhode Island
Issued on May 4, 1936 in Providence, RI - Scott #777

Unofficial Town Cancel - Westerly-Watch Hill Station
1st John Kilton Cachet - Planty #777-61k

The Watch Hill Station of the Westerly Post Office, (Westerly Township, Washington County) was established on January 24, 1871 under Postmaster William H. Chapman. The Post Office became a station of the Westerly Post Office on June 30, 1902 and is currently in operation.

The area known as Watch Hill was first settled by the Niantics, a branch of the Narragansett Tribe. The town is situated at the southwest tip of of Rhode Island on Little Narragansett Bay. Watch Hill's beautiful beaches and scenic vistas attracted many visitors to the area and at the turn of the 20th century, there were seven hotels located on its beaches. Although almost totally destroyed during the "Great Hurricane of 1938," it has been restored to its past attractiveness and today features many quaint cottages, summer homes and beachfront inns.

Watch Hill features a famous Lighthouse built in 1896.

Sources:
Check List of Rhode Island Post Offices 1790-1994 - Del Beaudreau
Rhode Island Postal History: The Post Offices - Merolla, Jackson & Crowther