Fort Stark, New Castle NH
Explored: April 3rd 2018
Fort Stark is a former military fortification in New Castle, New Hampshire, United States. Located at Jerry's Point (also called Jaffrey's Point) on the southeastern tip of New Castle Island, most of the surviving fort was developed in the early 20th century, following the Spanish–American War, although there were several earlier fortifications on the site, portions of which survive. The fort was named for John Stark, a New Hampshire officer who distinguished himself at the Battle of Bennington in the American Revolution. The purpose of Fort Stark was to defend the harbor of nearby Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The fort remained in active use through the Second World War, after which it was used for reserve training by the US Navy. The property was partially turned over to the state of New Hampshire in 1979, which established Fort Stark Historic Site, and the remainder of the property was turned over in 1983.
At Jerry's Point there is evidence of earthwork fortification, circa 1842, and a stonework fort, circa 1873. Following the Spanish American War (1898) the improved defense of key harbors became a national priority. Fortifications such as Fort Stark were constructed on both coasts during the Endicott Period (1890-1920) and at Forts Constitution, McClary and Foster. The basic defense concept was to mine the harbor entrances and erect gun batteries. No shots were ever fired in anger.
The white building within the fort (World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post) which is disguised to look like a mansion from sea is off-limits to all park guests due to unprotected stairs, high walls, rough ground, and the results of years of neglect and vandalism. The building is surrounded by a large barbed-wire fence and posted with ‘NO TRESPASSING” signs. Trespassers will be arrested if caught.
For more detailed historic information
In May of 2013 Teenagers taking a day off from school on “Senior Skip Day” made a ghastly discovery when they found the body of a man down a shaft at Fort Stark. Police Chief Don White confirmed that a body of a man between the ages of 29 and 35 was found down a 15-foot ammunition elevator shaft at the fort. The teenagers were exploring the fort when they noticed a duffel bag and a rope leading down the shaft. The police chief said what he saw shocked him. The man’s hands appeared to be behind his back and a chair was knocked down nearby.
Blessing of the Bikes in Colebrooke, NH
Hundreds of bikers from the US and Canada gather for a ride in outside Colebrooke, in northern NH and for a blessing of their bikes. The brief Catholic Mass at the Shrine of St. Joseph is followed by priests bestowing their blessing on each biker.
Bedford New Hampshire (NH) Real Estate Tour
-- Tour Bedford, NH neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.
Bedford, New Hampshire, formerly a quiet farming town, has evolved into an affluent bedroom community for those commuting to nearby Manchester and other cities; notably, Nashua, Boston and even Concord. With an 80/20 residential-to-business ratio, Bedford's real estate profile doesn't automatically evoke a booming business town. However, commerce in Bedford is growing. Popular establishments include the Bedford Village Inn and Restaurant, one of the top Bed and Breakfasts in New Hampshire, and C.R. Sparks, one of the area's finest restaurants.
Incorporated in 1750, Bedford was named for Lord John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford, a close friend to colonial Governor John Wentworth. While it remained a quiet rural town for most of the next two centuries, Bedford enjoyed a population boom after World War II, when the expansion of highways and other transportation routes brought a massive influx of new residents throughout southern New Hampshire.
Conveniently located near Boston, the seacoast, the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, Bedford offers excellent schools, a thriving local business climate, and bountiful opportunities for recreation, sightseeing and leisure. Business activity in Bedford is focused along Route 3, otherwise known as the performance zone. Premium office parks and shopping centers such as the Bedford Mall along with Macy's department store, the Wayfarer Inn and the Manchester Country Club line this road, which runs south from Manchester into Merrimack and Nashua. Bedford's other commercial clusters are along Route 101, which extends westward.
With recent expansions to its first-rate school system now taking effect, Bedford has turned its focus toward town recreational facilities, including a 70-acre park with several ball fields, ski trails, fishing and ice skating. The scenic town center offers an array of lovingly preserved historic buildings, including Schoolhouse #7, the Bedford Presbyterian Church, and the town hall. The Kendall Shop Museum and Carriage House offers a variety of exhibits highlighting the community's illustrious past. Other attractions near Bedford include Manchester's Palace Theatre, the Verizon Wireless Arena, the Currier Museum of Art, Pat's Peak Ski Area, the Manchester Historic Association Millyard Museum, Christa McAuliffe Planetarium and the SEE Science Center.
For other town tours visit . For towns in NH visit . For NH relocation information go to .