Fort Stark

Much like a favorite beach that you're regularly drawn back to, Fort Stark is one of those places we find ourselves visiting at least once per summer. Between it’s location in nearby Newcastle and the size of the park – not overly spread out like other nearby forts – it's a perfect destination for those times we find ourselves with a Sunday afternoon to fill. I've found it to be the least known fort we have on the Seacoast, however in many ways it's the best one to visit as there is no admission charge and much of the fort is open for exploration.

Officially named the Fort Stark Historical site, the park itself consists of various and equally interesting pieces. One of the first things you'll see when entering is a crumbling and dangerous looking white building that is boarded and fenced off for safety reasons. At one point trees had overgrown the fence and all but eaten it up, and although volunteers cut those down a while ago many pieces of the trees still remain embedded throughout the fence, adding to the abandoned feel of the place.

We’ve been coming to Fort Stark for many years, however there is always more we have to learn about the place. For instance, I learned just this past year that the building above, which faces the ocean, was actually built to resemble a ship when viewed from out at sea and only the top could be seen over the horizon. A nice little trick to help deter enemies during the war. It took me 20 years of visiting the park, then finally reading about it on the Internet, before I knew this about the place. Now it’s the first thing I see whenever I look at this building.

Past this fake ship are a couple of rows of bunker buildings. Just walking around them is impressive, but for those a little more adventurous you’ll want to bring a flashlight and wander the insides.

Watch for the usual debris and broken bottles you’d expect to find in a place like this, but enjoy the many rooms, staircases, and dark hallways the bunkers have to offer.

Even parts that were once closed off are accessible if you’re not afraid to do a little climbing.

After investigating the bunkers be sure to walk down to the water behind them and find the rock pier reaching out into the ocean. This isn’t for the young kids, but if you’re cautious enough to venture to the end the view looking back at the fort is beautiful.

For anyone who enjoys forts or war memorials, or just wandering through creepy old buildings, Stark is well worth the visit. Pack yourself a lunch, explore the bunkers, then cool off afterward wading through the small beach the park has to offer. You might even find us there doing the same!

Until our next adventure, salute :)

  

Links:
Photo Album

Official Website: http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/Historic-Sites/fort-stark-state-historic-site.aspx