This Independence Day walk in the paw prints of history at one of these dog friendly historic sites with a patriotic past. For more detailed information, click on the highlighted name. Please visit our Dog Friendly Places page for additional places to visit including dog beaches, hiking trails, and scenic walks.
Eliot Boat Basin, Eliot, ME: This unassuming park holds a Revolutionary secret. Follow the trailhead behind the playground, and you’ll find an approximately one mile trail that winds it way through old growth trees, past a small foundation, to the final resting place of two soldiers who served in the American Revolution. However, that’s not the secret! Continue following the trail to the small beach with views of historic Frank’s Fort Island. Prior to the “shot heard around the world” at the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA on April 19, 1775, the colonists raided Fort William and Mary in Newcastle, NH, not once but twice. On December 14, 1774, local patriots from the Portsmouth area, seized the garrison’s powder, which was distributed through several New Hampshire and Maine towns for later use in the war against against Great Britain. The following night on December 15, 1774, the patriots returned and seized the cannons. Some historians argue this was the first act of rebellion towards independence. Legend has it that the residents of Eliot hid some of the gun powder taken from the British forces on tiny Frank’s Fort Island, visible from the Eliot Boat Basin.
Dogs must be on-leash. Swimming is NOT allowed due to the strong current of the Piscataqua River.
Fort Point State Park, Stockton Springs, ME: Fort Pownall was constructed in 1759 to protect the English landholdings during the French and Indian War. On the eve of the American Revolution, in 1775 the British seized the fort’s guns to keep them out of the patriots’ hands. In retaliation, the colonists burned the blockhouse and filled the moat preventing British occupation during the war. Today all that remains of the fort is the stone wall footprint and earthwork mounds, with historical markers describing these events in detail. A lighthouse was later erected at this point.
Dogs are allowed on-leash. Although there is a small beach, please note there is NO swimming allowed due to the strong current of the Penobscot River. There is a nominal entrance fee.
Fort McClary, Kittery, ME: Since 1689 this site has been used to protect the Piscataqua River and surrounding communities in Maine and New Hampshire. However, this land was owned by the Pepperrell family who were British Loyalists. During the American Revolution this property including the fort, was confiscated by local patriots, and manned by the New Hampshire militia until the end of the war. No structures from the original Fort William remain, but you can spend the day exploring later buildings including the blockhouse. In 1808 the fort was renamed Fort McClary for the New Hampshire native Major Andrew McClary, who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Dog are allowed on-leash. There is a small entrance fee.
Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA: This was the location of the first settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1623. During the American Revolution patriots built a fort on the north side of Half Moon Beach to defend against British invaders. The fort was restored for the War of 1812 and again for the Civil War, but never saw any action. Today there are historic markers throughout the park, and scenic views of Gloucester Harbor.
Dogs are allowed on-leash all day at Stage Fort Park. No dogs allowed on beaches from May through September. However, there is a fenced dog park. There is a parking fee.
Battle Road Trail, Concord, MA: Follow in the footsteps of the Minute Men and British Soldiers on that fateful day of April 19, 1775 which launched the American Revolution. Battle Road Trail is a dog friendly trail from Concord to Lexington, Massachusetts that follows what remains of the original road, fields and forests. This easy walk connects historic sites including Meriam’s corner where the Minute Men forced the British retreat back to Boston; the home of Captain William Smith, commander of the Lincoln Minute Men and brother of Abigail Adams; and the stretch of road where Paul Revere was captured thus ending the famous “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” The entire trail is 5 miles one way.
Dogs are allowed on-leash. Dogs are not permitted in the historic houses. Please note there are reenactments with gunfire and other loud noises along this trail.
