For those who have never had the pleasure of asking for directions in the state of Maine, we have a popular saying, “You can’t get there from here.” I’ll pause while you all read that out loud in your best impersonation of a Maine accent. Normally Asa and I share dog friendly places to explore. But today we are taking a different Maine twist. We are going to share places we can see from one of our favorite dog friendly parks, Fort Foster in Kittery, that are NOT dog friendly, but are interesting landmarks.
Wood Island Life Saving Station: The life saving station was a precursor to the US Coast Guard. “Surfmen,” would head out from that island in all kinds of weather to rescue mariners in distress. The original building was built in 1908 and used as a rescue station until the early days of World War II when the island was taken over by the government to help protect the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In the 1970s the building was returned to the town of Kittery, and sat abandon for many years. That is until 2012 when the nonprofit group the Wood Island Life Saving Station Association undertook the monumental task of restoring the building with the ultimate goal of someday opening a museum there for public tours. For more information, please visit woodislandlifesaving.org.
Whaleback Lighthouse: Next on our tour of landmarks seen from Fort Foster is Whaleback Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1832, on that tiny rock of an island at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor. And yes, lighthouse keepers did live there! It was rebuilt in 1872, and eventually automated in 1962. Today it continues to be an important aid to navigation and is owned by the American Lighthouse Foundation, and cared for by the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses.
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse: Across the way you can see the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, also known as New Castle Light and Fort Point Light. The original structure was built in 1771, and the lighthouse that you see today was built in 1878. It was automated in 1960, and the former lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used by the US Coast Guard. As with Whaleback, this active light is maintained by the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. However, unlike Whaleback, you can get there from here to visit. However, dogs are NOT allowed, and reservations are required.
Fort Constitution: As you will see in the photo shared below, Portsmouth Harbor Light is on the grounds of Fort Constitution. Originally called “The Castle,” this outcropping of land has been fortified since 1631, and may be the oldest continuously occupied military site in the United States. The name was formally changed to Fort William and Mary when improvements were made to the fort during King William’s War. However, it was the events on the nights of December 14 and 15, 1774 that sealed the fate of the fort. The raid on Fort William and Mary by the Sons of Liberty to remove canons and gunpowder from the British troops is considered by many historians to be the first skirmish during the American Revolution. However, because no shots were fired, as the British troops were surprised in the night, it is often overlooked in the pages of history. It is not clear when it was renamed Fort Constitution, but given the outcome of the Revolution, we can understand why it was changed. Located on the grounds of the US Coast Guard Station, the fort is occasionally opened for events and is maintained by the Friends of Fort Constitution. Dogs are NOT allowed at this New Hampshire State Park.
Portsmouth Naval Prison: Ok, so this photo snapped using a zoom lens is a bit deceptive in terms of its proximity to Fort Foster, but in the distance you can see the Portsmouth Naval Prison. Completed in 1908, the prison was used during World War I, and two additional wings were added during World War II. This imposing castle-like structure was nicknamed the “Alcatraz of the East,” due to the strong currents of the Piscataqua River on which the island is surrounded. The prison closed in 1974, and has sat vacant ever since. It is closed to the public due to safety and security reasons. Oh and in case you’re wondering, the Portsmouth Naval Prison isn’t located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is in Kittery, Maine. But that, my friends, is a story for another day.
So there you have it! You may not be able to get there from here, but at least now you know what you’re looking at from one of our favorite dog friendly parks, Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine.
