You Can See Historic Military Artifacts At This State Historic Park In New Castle, New Hampshire

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. 

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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!

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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.)

Advertisement

Bill S/Trip Advisor

You will see this in the museum, which also has records of all the shipwrecks suffered here. The number is greater than 100!

Advertisement

RobDuch, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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 The technology is obsolete and fascinating.

Related Stories

Meditate At Temple Forest Monastery, Patron Frye's Measure Mill, And Pet Cows At Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm In Temple, New Hampshire

The Stunning Building In New Hampshire That Looks Just Like Hogwarts

The Cog Railway In New Hampshire That Takes You To One Of Our State's Natural Wonders

New Hampshire State Parks/Facebook

Bill S/TripAdvisor

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.

vb22/TripAdvisor

vb22/TripAdvisor

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!