Barneys Joy Point Military Reservation

Barneys Joy Point Military Reservation is a coastal fortification in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, with concrete foundations and defensive gun positions facing Buzzards Bay. The installation contained multiple artillery pieces of different calibers and mounting types to provide comprehensive harbor defense.

The reservation was established in 1943 as part of the Harbor Defenses of New Bedford during World War II. The site was strategically positioned to counter threats from fast attack boats and naval operations in the region.

The site reflects how this stretch of coast was defended and shows the role that defensive positions played in protecting the region's economic lifeline.

The site is not open to visitors today, but historical records are available through the National Archives and local military repositories. Advance research about the location's history is worthwhile before planning a visit to the surrounding area.

The reservation used both fixed-mount and mobile artillery pieces to provide flexible defensive capabilities. This mixed approach allowed rapid responses to different types of potential attacks.

Location: Dartmouth

Inception: 1943

GPS coordinates: 41.51055,-70.98356

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41