Fort Andrew, Massachusetts — History & Visitor Guide

Fort Andrew (Plymouth, Massachusetts)

Plymouth · Massachusetts · American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, American Civil War

Quick BriefFort Andrew was built as Gurnet Fort in 1776 for the American Revolutionary War on Gurnet Point in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It became a federal fort and was rebuilt in 1808, and again in 1863 during the Civil War when it received its current name. The reservation was sold in 1926 and mostly became private property, except for the US Coast Guard light station.

Civil WarCoastal defenseOpen to visitors

History & Significance

Gurnet Fort was built in 1776 for the American Revolutionary War, via a resolution of the Massachusetts General Court of June 3, 1776. In 1776, HMS Niger briefly engaged Gurnet Fort while searching for patriot privateers.

Niger grounded but was soon refloated. During the War of 1812 preparedness period, the fort was rebuilt with five guns in 1808 as part of the federal second system of U.S. fortifications.

The old inclosed fort, mounting five guns, was repaired with stone and sod in 1808. In 1863 during the Civil War the fort was rebuilt and renamed Fort Andrew, with the rebuilding designed and supervised by Major Charles E. Blunt of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

It is named for John A. Andrew, governor of Massachusetts 1861–1866. It could accommodate four guns plus three not mounted, with a bombproof shelter and two magazines.

The seven guns installed during the Civil War consisted of four eight-inch smoothbores and three 32-pounder rifled pieces. After the war, the federal government declared Fort Andrew an inactive military reservation in 1869. The reservation was sold in 1926 and mostly became private property, except for the US Coast Guard light station.

Map

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🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Revolutionary and Civil War earthworks on scenic Gurnet Point
Historic lighthouse structure dating to 19th century
Coastal defense site overlooking Cape Cod Bay
US Coast Guard facility on original fortification grounds
Limited public access during seasonal lighthouse open houses

Best time to visitSpring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant New England weather for visiting Cape Cod; summer brings crowds but stable conditions, while winter weather is cold and unpredictable.

Getting thereCape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA) is the nearest regional airport, approximately 45 km from Plymouth and Fort Andrew on Cape Cod.

From the nearest major airportBoston Logan International Airport (BOS)🚗 43 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 1 hr 26 min drive

Fort Andrew (Plymouth, Massachusetts)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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