In 2013, singer Taylor Swift showed up in Rhode Island with $17.7MM in cash and purchased a summer home called High Watch. Then, she wrote a song about it (see: “the last great american dynasty”). This is the real history behind Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island home. 

Episode Source Material: 

• Holiday House (Watch Hill)
• The Outrageous Life of Rebekah Harkness, Taylor Swift’s High-Society Muse
• The story of Rebekah Harkness is way more complicated than Taylor Swift lets on
• Who is Rebekah Harkness and Why is She the Star of Taylor Swift's 'The Last Great American Dynasty'?
• Rebekah Harkness, the Scorned Socialite of Watch Hill, RI
• Taylor Swift's new album tells a tale about a St. Louis-born oil heiress
• Clambakes and superior sunbaking at Rhode island's historic beach hangout.
• 'IS THERE A CHIC WAY TO GO?'
• A LIFE OF FLAMBOYANT DESPERATION
• REBEKAH WEST HARKNESS, 67, PATRON OF DANCE AND MEDICINE (Published 1982)
• Jolfrey Ballet Cuts 2‐Year Tie With Rebekah Harkness Fund; Leader of Troupe Rejects ‘Ultimatum’ to Name It After Foundation and ‘Vague Assurances’on Control (Published 1964)
• William Harkness Marries Mrs. Pierce
• Harkness, Rebekah West
• Standard Oil
• Who Is Rebekah Harkness, Star of Taylor Swift's 'The Last Great American Dynasty'?
• Joffrey Ballet
• The Last Great American Hideaway: A Brief History of Taylor Swift's Rhode Island Feud
• Taylor Swift's Homes All Over the US Valued at More Than $81 Million
• Watch Hill, Rhode Island
• WATCH HILL TO POINT JUDITH: 20 MILES OF SUMMER FUN (Published 1981)
• Taylor Swift House on the Hill | Watch Hill, RI - Rhode Island
• Folklore (Taylor Swift album)