Fort Stark State Historic Site, Atlantic Canada Travel Guide

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Explore a historic coastal fort with stunning ocean views, offering a glimpse into New Hampshire's military past from the Revolution to World War II.

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Fort Stark State Historic Site

Explore Fort Stark State Historic Site in New Castle, NH, a historic coastal defense fort offering scenic ocean views and a glimpse into military history from the American Revolution through World War II. Wander the grounds, discover the remains of gun batteries, and visit the small museum to learn about the fort's strategic importance.

A brief summary to Fort Stark State Historic Site

211 Wild Rose Ln, New Castle, New Hampshire, 03854, US
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Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Stark State Historic Site.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and exploring the fort's grounds.
Bring a picnic to enjoy the scenic views overlooking the Piscataqua River and Atlantic Ocean.
Visit the Ordnance Machine Shop Museum on Saturdays between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to see military artifacts and learn about local shipwrecks.
Be aware that parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early.
Supervise children closely due to the presence of unprotected stairs, high walls, and slippery rocks.

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Explore Fort Stark State Historic Site on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

From Portsmouth, NH, head south on US-1 Bypass. Take the exit for NH-1A towards New Castle. Follow NH-1A, turning left onto Wild Rose Lane. Continue on Wild Rose Lane to Fort Stark State Historic Site. Parking is available on-site. Note that parking is limited, especially on weekends. There are no fees for parking or entry.
Public Transportation

From Portsmouth, take the Coast City bus to the New Castle stop. From there, walk south on NH-1A, then turn left onto Wild Rose Lane (approximately 20 minutes). Check the bus schedule for limited service. Bus fares vary depending on the starting point.
Taxi/Ride-share

From Portsmouth, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Fort Stark State Historic Site will cost approximately $20-$30, depending on demand and traffic. Use the address '211 Wild Rose Ln, New Castle, NH 03854' as the destination.

Discover more about Fort Stark State Historic Site

Fort Stark State Historic Site, located on Jerry's Point on New Castle Island, offers a captivating journey through American military history. Overlooking the Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean, this ten-acre site was initially fortified in 1746 and played a crucial role in defending Portsmouth Harbor from the American Revolution through World War II.Named in honor of General John Stark, commander of New Hampshire forces at the Battle of Bennington in 1777, Fort Stark is one of seven forts built to protect Portsmouth Harbor. Throughout its history, the fort has been rebuilt and upgraded to meet evolving military needs. Although no shots were ever fired in anger, Fort Stark stood ready to defend the coastline.Today, visitors can explore the remains of gun batteries, the Harbor Entrance Control Post, and other military structures. The Ordnance Machine Shop, built in 1910, houses a small museum with military artifacts and exhibits about shipwrecks along the New Castle coast. An unmarked walking trail traverses the site, offering stunning views and a chance to reflect on the fort's past. Please exercise caution, as the site contains unprotected stairs, high walls, and rough terrain.Fort Stark is more than just a historical site; it's also a place to connect with nature. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, fly a kite, or relax by the small beach. Fishing is possible from the jetty, but caution is advised. The park is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, between late May and mid-October.