Winter Island and Fort Pickering, Salem, Mass
Winter Island is located in North Salem, jutting out into Salem Harbor and right next to the historic Salem Willows Amusement Park. It was originally land used by the Native American Naumkeag tribe then later taken over by Roger Conant in Salem Village. It became a hub for Salem's fishing industry thanks to its protected coves and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean.
During the Revolutionary War several forts were built here and still remain, most notably Fort Pickering. It was brought into use again in the Civil War. It gots its name from Salem resident Timothy Pickering, who served as Secretary of State and War in President George Washington's cabinet.
During World War II, Winter Island was transformed. First the US Coast Guard established one of their largest aviation patrol stations. And the US Navy used it as a base to protect Salem Harbor from German U-boats.
Winter Island remains largely intact from both the Civil War era and WWII. The Fort is still there thanks to the man-made earthen barriers erected during its construction. The interior of the Fort is used now, amazingly, for RVs and camping. The Coast Guard buildings, including the hanger, are still there but most are shuttered and not open to the public. It's a shame these are not restored or put into better use by the City - the boat ramp, campgrounds, and parking lot were certainly busy enough during my October visit.
More info:
current status: http://www.historicsalem.org/endangered/winterisland/index.html
USCG page: http://www.uscg.mil/history/stations/airsta_salem.asp
more pictures and maps: http://www.airfields-freeman.com/MA/Airfields_MA_Boston_N.html#salem
tragic accident: http://www.check-six.com/Coast_Guard/Salem_Armed_Forces_Day_Crash.htm
UFO siting: http://www.ufoevidence.org/photographs/section/1950s/Photo51.htm
Read MoreDuring the Revolutionary War several forts were built here and still remain, most notably Fort Pickering. It was brought into use again in the Civil War. It gots its name from Salem resident Timothy Pickering, who served as Secretary of State and War in President George Washington's cabinet.
During World War II, Winter Island was transformed. First the US Coast Guard established one of their largest aviation patrol stations. And the US Navy used it as a base to protect Salem Harbor from German U-boats.
Winter Island remains largely intact from both the Civil War era and WWII. The Fort is still there thanks to the man-made earthen barriers erected during its construction. The interior of the Fort is used now, amazingly, for RVs and camping. The Coast Guard buildings, including the hanger, are still there but most are shuttered and not open to the public. It's a shame these are not restored or put into better use by the City - the boat ramp, campgrounds, and parking lot were certainly busy enough during my October visit.
More info:
current status: http://www.historicsalem.org/endangered/winterisland/index.html
USCG page: http://www.uscg.mil/history/stations/airsta_salem.asp
more pictures and maps: http://www.airfields-freeman.com/MA/Airfields_MA_Boston_N.html#salem
tragic accident: http://www.check-six.com/Coast_Guard/Salem_Armed_Forces_Day_Crash.htm
UFO siting: http://www.ufoevidence.org/photographs/section/1950s/Photo51.htm
