1. Military

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
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  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering

    Fort Pickering

  • Fort Pickering, WWII-era addition to house munitions

    Fort Pickering, WWII-era addition to house munitions

  • Fort Pickering, WWII-era addition to house munitions

    Fort Pickering, WWII-era addition to house munitions

  • Fort Pickering, WWII-era addition to house munitions. Depth charges were stored here in preparation for attacks on German U-boats.

    Fort Pickering, WWII-era addition to house munitions. Depth charges were stored here in preparation for attacks on German U-boats.

  • Fort Pickering moat

    Fort Pickering moat

  • Lighthouse

    Lighthouse

  • Lighthouse

    Lighthouse

  • USCG Salem. Coast Guard seaplanes used this ramp for almost 40 years. It's now a boat ramp for Salem residents.

    USCG Salem. Coast Guard seaplanes used this ramp for almost 40 years. It's now a boat ramp for Salem residents.

  • USCG Salem. Coast Guard seaplanes used this ramp for almost 40 years. It's now a boat ramp for Salem residents.

    USCG Salem. Coast Guard seaplanes used this ramp for almost 40 years. It's now a boat ramp for Salem residents.

  • USCG Salem aerial photo, c. 1945

    USCG Salem aerial photo, c. 1945

  • USCG Salem Hanger

    USCG Salem Hanger

  • USCG Salem hanger

    USCG Salem hanger

  • USCG Salem Hanger. The 'Guard' is still visible on the exterior.

    USCG Salem Hanger. The 'Guard' is still visible on the exterior.

  • USCG Salem hanger and store

    USCG Salem hanger and store

  • USCG Salem memorial

    USCG Salem memorial

  • USCG Salem office building

    USCG Salem office building

  • USCG Salem officer's building

    USCG Salem officer's building

  • USCG Salem officer's building

    USCG Salem officer's building

  • USCG Salem officer's building

    USCG Salem officer's building

  • USCG Salem officer's building

    USCG Salem officer's building

  • Waikiki Beach

    Waikiki Beach

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