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Stage Fort ParkStage Fort Park offers several views of Gloucester Harbor, and is a convenient parking location for a walk along the harbor. Stage Fort is an earthen berm fort where several cannon can be found. Tablet Rock offers a high view of the harbor. Half Moon Beach offers a low view. (Both have great view of Ten Pound Island and it's lighthouse.) Rocky Cressey Beach offers a southerly view out over the ocean.
Tablet Rock is a huge granite rock with a marker commemorating the first settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Trails lead up to the top of the rock, as well as around it leading down to the rocky shore. Stage Fort was built to defend the harbor against the British during the Revolutionary War. Several cannon still stand among earthen berms.
The Visitor's Center has a large number of pamphlets for businesses and historical information. A Whale Watch cruise from Gloucester is highly recommended - several charter companies are close by on Route 133. Take a short walk along the harbor to see the famous Fisherman's Memorial and Fishermans' Wives statues. Hammond Castle is nearby, as is Ravenswood Park and the village of Magnolia.
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FeaturesScenic views of Gloucester Harbor
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Homepage
Stage Fort Park - Essex National Heritage Area's home page for the park
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Location Map
None
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DirectionsTake Exit 14 off Rte. 128. At the bottom of the ramp, take a right onto Rte. 133. Follow to the end with the harbor in front of you. Go right. The Park is located on the left.
Street Map
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Hours & Admission
Year round 24 hours a day. During the months of July, August, and September, the Visitors Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. In May, June, and October, it is open only Thursdays through Sundays. During summer months there is a parking fee of $10.
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Other Links
Stage Fort Park - From The Gloucester Guide web site.
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Notes & Comments
None
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One of the cannons in the fort |
Ten Pound Island and it's lighthouse |
The cannons of Stage Fort |
Gloucester Harbor from little Half Moon Beach |
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