Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven, MA

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

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Where can you go in New England when the weather has handed you a week + of ice laden trails (and sidewalks, and parking lots, and paths to your compost)? For us, we chose to head to the shore, specifically Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

We arrived at Fort Phoenix, fronting onto Buzzards Bay, and found so many aspects to enjoy. First—yay!—no ice. Second, tons and tons of migratory birds hanging out just off shore.

A large flock of brandt geese (arctic birds only seen hereabouts in winter) hugged the shoreline, giving us some great views of their distinctive plumage. Eiders, mergansers, buffleheads, and goldeneye ducks all seemed to be discovering tasty lunches. They stayed close enough to shore so we could see them clearly.

Historic Significance

Fort Phoenix has historical significance, being the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War. The conflict took place just days after the first battle of the war in Lexington and Concord. Replicas of the battlements, with cannons facing seaward over revetments, offer a sense of what it was like to defend the area from invading ships.

Handicapped Access

Plentiful paved parking makes access easy to the historical interpretive markers. The paths up to the overlook, and the paved road to the hurricane barrier are all accessible for wheelchairs, and parents pushing strollers. Others of us who appreciate an Easy Walk (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) will also enjoy the firm footing.

Hurricane Barriers

A hurricane barrier stretches across the Acushnet River, protecting both the Fairhaven and New Bedford sides of the inlet. Twelve-foot tides have in the past devastated these communities. Access to the actual barrier walls is limited.

We were able to walk up to the fence and could see the moveable steel walls that are closed only when needed. Otherwise the barriers roll back inside the metal structures on each side of the river. We saw fishing boats motoring through the narrow opening. Some were returning to harbor, their holds full of fish, while others headed out, hoping for a successful catch.

The towns of New Bedford and Fairhaven each built their half of the barrier, and the Army Corps of Engineers operate the structure itself. The rest of the beach and fort structures are overseen by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Sit a spell

Multiple benches are situated along the shoreline of Ft. Phoenix, overlooking Buzzards Bay. The stretch of shoreline below the rocky outcrop is not an Easy Walk. Beach sand often offers challenging footing. Since the tide was low we found some hard-packed footing, but accessing the beach requires walking through a small dune which, for me, offered challenging footing.

The Elizabeth Islands are visible in the distance across the Bay. Their natural resources were what brought British sailors to this area, hunting for food for their crews. These days ferries allow visitors to explore some of the islands and these visitors, unlike those during the Revolutionary War, are much more likely to be carrying mosquito spray than muskets. Happy trails!

Marjorie