Calf Island Military Reservation

Calf Island Military Reservation is a coastal defense fort located on an island in Hull, Massachusetts, featuring concrete bunkers and observation structures built for harbor surveillance. The installation remains visible with its defensive infrastructure still recognizable across the small island.

This installation was built in 1941 during World War II to protect Boston Harbor using radar and searchlight technology. It served as part of the American coastal defense network that expanded rapidly during the war years.

Military personnel stationed at the fort developed specific procedures and routines that shaped the daily operations of this coastal defense position.

Access to the island requires water transportation from the mainland, so plan ahead and arrange a boat to visit. Visitors should be prepared for changing water conditions and tidal considerations.

This site was among the first military installations equipped with radar surveillance systems, making it an early adopter of electronic defense technology. The radar capabilities represented a significant shift in how coastal areas were monitored and protected.

Location: Hull

Inception: 1941

GPS coordinates: 41.34105,-70.89613

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44