Fort Andrew

Fort Andrew is a military fortification on Gurnet Point that was built to defend the entrance to Plymouth Harbor using earthwork walls and gun emplacements. The grounds now include the relocated Plymouth lighthouse, which sits within the fort's perimeter.

The fort began in 1776 as Gurnet Fort during the Revolutionary War and was rebuilt in 1808 and again in 1863. Each reconstruction reflected changes in military strategy and the nation's defense needs over time.

The fort is named after John A. Andrew, a governor of Massachusetts during the Civil War era. The naming reflects the state's connection to the political leadership of that turbulent period.

The property became largely private in 1926, so access is limited, but the exterior walls and structures remain visible from public areas. Plan to view the site from outside or check locally about any public access opportunities.

A World War II fire control tower still stands on the fort's walls, showing how military technology evolved across different wars. This tower is among the few remaining examples of such structures preserved on the New England coast.

GPS coordinates: 42.29750,-70.93389

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20