Fort Sewall — Attraction in Marblehead

This is a terrific place to go for viewing meteor showers! There is a very minimal amount of lights in the area. One must use caution and wear comfortable, sturdy sneakers or non-skid soles. Insect repellent may be in order during yhe summer months, too. A hand held flashlight is a must, because while paved, the walkways can be uneven or imperfect in areas where it is nearly impossible to see at night, in certain parts of the park. There are grassy areas and benches which encircle an area leading to rocks that lead to the ocean. It is a fairly placid, protected part of Marblehead Harbor. Fort Sewall is an historical landmark but because it is surrounded by many residences, one must be respectful of this and stay quiet overnight while stargazing. It is a terrifically dark spot for viewing meteor in as thickly settled a residential area as one could ever imagine being possible! A good flashlight and common sense is about all you need other than clear skies!...

We walked to Fort Sewall, surprisingly, given the bright day at Gas House Beach and indeed in the town, Fort Sewall and the bay was shrouded in sea fog. Though this gave a chance to do some shots of foggy scenes which was good. The fog was light and quite high, nowhere near as deep and dismal as the fogs we have encountered along the Oregon Coast.

Fort Sewall was founded in 1644 one of the earliest fortifications the British made in North America. They were defending the bay and harbour from French ships attempting to disrupt the fleet. Later the site was used by the USA to successfully defend against the British when they attacked from British North America (now called Canada) in the war of 1812.

Fort Sewall is directly across the neck of the bay from the Lighthouse we visited yesterday. Though you could barely see it for the fog it made the whole bay...

Beautiful view from mouth of Marblehead harbor, you can see over to Chandler Hovey Park w the lighthouse, and Little Harbor as well as lots of neighboring islands, Children's, Brown's, Bakers, to name a few. Old Fort from Revolutionary days. Lots of shade and benches to sit on a summers day or path to stroll around and take in the view. Another great place for a picnic. Best time to go - weekend after 4th of July when revolutionary re-enactors come from all over to dress up and take us back to days of yore from pitching tents, to cooking, sewing, iron smith, all kinds of chores and even the signing of documents to join the war! Lots of stories and lessons to be learned. Also, reenactments of battles by Glovers regiment! Fun...