You Can See Historic Military Artifacts At This State Historic Park In New Castle, New Hampshire
By Bill Hall
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Published July 22, 2022
Walking or hiking along the New Hampshire seaside is a terrific way to spend some time. The rocky shore at Fort Stark Historic Site has all the beauty you might expect with some added history. There was military activity here dating back to the American Revolution. Anyone with an interest in naval antiquity will find this historic military park in New Castle fascinating.
Among the rugged terrain and peaceful shore are naval artifacts that anyone can walk up to. You will find abandoned disappearing gun carriages, artillery batteries, a cool museum, and spooky old structures to explore.
The Harbor Entrance Control Post is definitely a different kind of design.
Built during World War II, not everyone agrees on the origin of this unique construction. There are two common theories. Both see the design as a "fake out." Some say it was made to look like a very large ship docked in the harbor from a distance. This would have encouraged enemy ships to think twice about entering. Others claim the idea was to make the Command Post appear as a harmless seaside mansion. Either way, cool!
At one time this battery held a 3-inch (76 mm) gun.
This means that the projectile leaving the gun was 3-inches in diameter. (It was not a mini-gun as the caption above might suggest.)
Here is an example of an out-of-commission 3-inch gun.
You will see this in the museum, which also has records of all the shipwrecks suffered here. The number is greater than 100!
Here lie the remnants of Battery Hunter.
Battery Hunter held a 12-inch gun. This was a disappearing carriage, which means the weapon rose from below and shot before dropping back down out of view of the enemy. The technology is obsolete and fascinating.
These men are towing targets out to sea for the gun at Battery Hunter to hit in 1942.
Many enjoy walking through and around the old structures.
The abandoned buildings can seem both tranquil and spooky. You will also spot modern-day graffiti on many walls. The volunteers work to paint over it, but it doesn’t take anything away from the historical vibe.
The Fort Stark Ordnance Building Museum looks out to the sea.
The area is quite stunning on its own.
Bring along your camera and a picnic basket.
Whether you are a history buff or not, you will be glad you visited. Be sure to check the Fort Stark Historic Site’s homepage for hours and parking.
You may want to read up on the town of New Castle in the excellent article entitled You Need To Visit New Hampshire’s Smallest Town, Made Entirely of Islands .
Be sure to let others know about your experience!
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Fort Stark State Historic Site, 211 Wild Rose Ln, New Castle, NH 03854, USA