Fort Stark State Historic Site
New Hampshire’s Coastal Harbor Defense — WWII Batteries, Camouflaged Command Post, Portsmouth Harbor Fortification, Atlantic Ocean Views on New Castle Island
Fort Stark State Historic Site is a state historic site on Jerry’s Point, New Castle Island, New Castle, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The site preserves a coastal harbor defense fortification protecting Portsmouth Harbor and the Naval Shipyard — featuring WWII-era batteries (Hunter, Lytle), a Harbor Entrance Control Post disguised as a seaside mansion, a military museum, walking trails, ocean views of the Piscataqua River and Atlantic Ocean, fishing, and birding.
Fort Stark occupies one of the most strategic positions on New Hampshire’s coastline — the southeastern tip of New Castle Island, commanding views of the Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, and the open Atlantic. Part of the Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth, the fort protected the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard alongside Fort Constitution and Fort Dearborn. During World War II, the 22nd Coast Artillery Regiment garrisoned here, operating 12-inch disappearing guns and coastal defense batteries. The most remarkable feature is the Harbor Entrance Control Post (HECP) — built atop an inactive battery and disguised as a modern seaside mansion to avoid detection. After the war, the Navy used the site for reserve training until transferring it to New Hampshire in the 1970s–80s.
Things to Do
Military History
- WWII batteries — Hunter, Lytle
- Harbor Entrance Control Post — disguised as mansion
- Museum — ordnance, shipwreck exhibits
- 22nd Coast Artillery Regiment history
Outdoor Recreation
- Walking trails with interpretive info
- Fishing off breakwater
- Bird watching
- Small beach area
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jerry’s Point, New Castle Island, NH |
| Fortification | Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth |
| WWII Unit | 22nd Coast Artillery Regiment |
| Batteries | Hunter, Lytle — 12-inch disappearing guns |
| HECP | Disguised as seaside mansion |
| Museum | Ordnance-Machine Shop — WWII artifacts |
| Views | Piscataqua River, Atlantic Ocean, Little Harbor |
| Facilities | Carry-In/Carry-Out; limited parking; no restrooms |
| Camping | NOT available |
| Coordinates | 43.0575° N, 70.7128° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Museum open; ocean views; fishing; long days; combine with Portsmouth | Limited parking; check museum hours (often Saturdays only) |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Clear skies; migratory birds; quiet; dramatic ocean | Reduced hours; cooler; verify access |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Reopening; birding; quiet exploration; wildflowers | Variable weather; museum may not be open yet |
| Winter | Dramatic seas; winter birding; solitude | Very cold; museum CLOSED; icy paths; use caution |
Visitor Tips
- Mansion disguise: The Harbor Entrance Control Post was built to look like a modern seaside mansion to hide its military function — one of the war’s most creative camouflage designs.
- Caution: The fort structures include rough ground, high walls, and unprotected stairs — wear sturdy footwear and watch children.
- No restrooms: The site has no public restrooms — plan accordingly.
- Carry-In/Carry-Out: Pack out all trash — no waste facilities on-site.
- Combine: Fort Stark is on New Castle Island — combine with Fort Constitution (also on the island) and historic Portsmouth for a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Stark State Historic Site — on Jerry’s Point in New Castle — preserves a coastal defense fortification active from 1746 through World War II. The fort’s gun batteries, observation towers, and underground magazines are open for exploration. The rocky shoreline provides tidepool exploration. Harbor seals haul out on nearby rocks. Purple sandpipers (winter) and common eiders inhabit the coast. Great cormorants dry their wings on the rocks.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Constitution — 1 mile north on New Castle Island — has Revolutionary War history. Portsmouth — 3 miles west — has Strawbery Banke and a vibrant waterfront. Odiorne Point State Park — 2 miles south — has the Seacoast Science Center. Wallis Sands State Beach — 3 miles south — has swimming.
What is Fort Stark in New Hampshire?
Fort Stark State Historic Site on New Castle Island, New Hampshire, is a coastal harbor defense fortification that protected Portsmouth Harbor and the Naval Shipyard. During WWII, the 22nd Coast Artillery Regiment operated batteries including 12-inch disappearing guns. The site features a Harbor Entrance Control Post disguised as a seaside mansion, a military museum, walking trails, and ocean views of the Piscataqua River and Atlantic. It has no restrooms and operates as a Carry-In/Carry-Out site.
Last updated: May 2026
