In the late afternoon of my second day on the North Shore, I saw a storm moving into the area on radar, so looked for a spot along the coast to shoot some pictures.   Established in 1643 on Salem's coast, Fort Pickering was first used for military purposes in 1663 as a strategic coastal defense post for Salem Harbor during the Anglo-Dutch Wars.   In 1699, the fort was named Fort William, after King William III; then in 1704, it was renamed Fort Anne, after Queen Anne.   In 1774, the fort served as a garrison for the 59th British Regiment, who later participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill.   After the British abandoned Boston in 1776, the fort was occupied by American forces who renamed it Fort Number Two; it was used to protect the large fleet of American privateers in Salem Harbor. In 1799, the fort was renamed in honor of Colonel Timothy Pickering, a Salem native and hero who served as the Secretary of War during that time. The fort was manned again during the US Civil War and Spanish American War, but was later abandoned.   In 1871, a lighthouse was built at the site and named Winter Island Light. In 1935 most of the land on Winter Island became the newly established Coast Guard Air Station Salem.   The air station had a hangar and ramp for seaplanes.   Aircraft conducted anti-submarine patrols during World War II, and search and rescue missions until it was closed in 1971.   The site was returned to the city of Salem in 1972.   The fort underwent many renovations in its long history. Most of the fort's remains are from the Civil War era.

Winter Island Lighthouse

Fort Pickering fortifications

Fort Pickering bunker entrance

Fort Pickering barracks wall

Barracks entrance

Another bunker entrance

Closer view of the bunker entrance

Sketch of Fort Pickering during War of 1812

Fort Pickering in the 1930s With no underbrush covering the area, one can clearly see the moat that separates the Fort from the peninsula.   The lighthouse is visible at right.

Undated postcard of Fort Pickering This section of the moat has been obliterated, although much of it remains.

Winter Island Lighthouse

Schooner cruising on the far side of the harbor, not long after the rain has passed through.

Winter Island Light

Sea Gull

Winter Island Light

Undated Winter Island Lighthouse postcard Note the walkway to the lighthouse from when there was a light-keeper

Winter Island Light - 1954 (Photograph courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)

All Text & Images: Copyright 2023.