But around 1620, many Niantic people settled at this place (cousins and allies of the larger Narragansett tribe), growing corn, making wampum, and trading with the Dutch and English Colonists for such things as beads, pipes, and copper kettles.

King Philip's War (1675–76) cemented Colonial rule over most of the Indian lands of Rhode Island, but a reservation was set aside for the tribe encompassing much of today's Charlestown.

As part of this process, the state transformed the remains of Fort Ninigret into a monument to the 250 years of positive relations between the Narragansett Indians (and their modern descendants) with their non-Indian neighbors.

A boulder was moved from the nearby hills and inscribed with these words: Fort Ninigret Memorial of the Narragansett and Niantic Indians Unwavering Friends and Allies of Our Fathers Erected by the State of Rhode Island Dwight R. Adams, William P. Sheffield, Jr., George Carmichael, Jr.: Comrs 1883 [2] Gideon L. Ammons and Joshua H. Noka spoke at the monument's dedication, both members of the Indian Council.

Today Fort Ninigret is maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Charlestown Historical Society.