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Misquamicut Beach Cars: How They Got Buried

Yahoo Finance •
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Decades ago, Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island, became the final resting place for approximately twenty abandoned cars. The vehicles, dating back to the 1950s, were intentionally buried to create a barrier against coastal erosion. This unique solution stemmed from the damage inflicted by powerful hurricanes like Carol and Edna, which threatened local businesses.

Ralph Colucci, owner of a beachfront hotel, spearheaded the project. The cars, deemed beyond repair, were lined up and secured with chains before being buried deep in the sand. This unconventional approach aimed to protect the coastline and prevent further damage from severe storms. The buried cars have become a local landmark, occasionally revealed by powerful storms.

Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused significant damage, unearthing parts of the buried vehicles. The Colucci family, who owned the hotel, later rebuilt a restaurant, The Andrea, on the site. Today, the cars remain a testament to the community's resilience and innovative efforts to combat the forces of nature.