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Council proclaims Jan Slee and John Bagwell Day after Old Stone Mill research presentation
Summary
The council read a proclamation honoring researchers Jan Slee and John Bagwell for a lecture that presented documentary and scientific analysis about the Old Stone Mill; presenters said their work challenges long-standing origin theories.
The Newport City Council read a proclamation recognizing Jan Slee and John Bagwell for their independent research into the Old Stone Mill, a landmark in Touro Park commonly called the Newport Tower.
The proclamation, read by the presiding official, summarized the presenters’ use of historical documentation, structural analysis and scientific testing, including chemical analysis and carbon-14 dating, to propose an alternative to older origin stories. One presenter told the council that after several years of work they are "110% certain that the mill was built for Benedict Arnold, period," a claim offered as part of the group's public lecture series.
Council members thanked the researchers and invited the public to the Redwood Library presentation the proclamation cited. The council set Wednesday, 06/25/2025, as a day to commend the presenters for their work in reexamining the site’s history.
