The Military History of Halibut Point

Next Monday evening at 7:30 John Ratti, for thirteen years the Halibut Point State Park Interpreter, will present "The Military History of Halibut Point" at the Rockport Library. The Sandy Bay Historical Society sponsors the program with free admission to the public.

Military endeavors fascinate us when they involve mortal tests to individuals or nations. At the time of declaring its independence from the English Crown the United States stood in a precarious situation. Joshua Gott  was among the Cape Ann citizens who went to Boston to join Washington's fledgling army in 1775.

Memoriam to Revolutionary War veteran Joshua Gott
Gloucester Telegraph, September 18, 1850

Gott came from a family that had settled on Halibut Point in 1702. Their homestead was part of Gloucester until Rockport set off as a separate town in 1840.

Postcard courtesy of the Sandy Bay Historical Society

Coming from a maritime community Joshua left the ground battles to sail aboard a series of privateers for the remainder of the Revolutionary War. His acquaintances admired his fortitude in military and civilian life.

Memoriam to Revolutionary War veteran Joshua Gott

(continued)

Not many years later the United States and Great Britain were once again embattled on American soil. In September of 1814 British marines landed in longboats near Halibut Point. A  militia known as The Company of Exempts joined the forces that marched from Gloucester to repel them at Gallup's Folly Cove.

A logistical report from the Captain of the Company of Exempts
Gloucester City Archives
With thanks to Sarah Dunlap

Men from Sandy Bay initiated the defense with a contingent known as the Sea Fencibles. Many years later the local newspaper reprinted this account by participant Thomas Thompson who subsequently shipped out on privateers and was captured twice. He survived the dismal Dartmoor Prison to return home for a life in the coasting and fishing trades.

                  "When the War of 1812 broke out, I enlisted in a company called the Sea Fencibles. One day a large English vessel was seen in the offing, headed directly for Sandy Bay. It soon became evident that she intended to sack and pillage the village. Bells were rung, and the little company of Fencibles mustered, determined to do their best to defend their homes. Couriers were hastily despatched to Gloucester and adjoining towns for help. The frigate sailed by Folly Cove and anchored near Halibut Point. A boat's crew made an attempt to land, but were repulsed by the Fencibles, who were reinforced by companies from Gloucester, Salem and Newburyport and elsewhere, who were on the spot within 12 hours of the first alarm. The ship then sent another fleet of boats and tried to effect a landing, but were again beaten back. General Appleton of Gloucester marched 1500 men down on Halibut Point, which had the effect of overawing the commander of the frigate, and he soon after got underway and sailed off, firing some parting shots which struck perilously near some of the men.

Cape Ann Advertiser, December 7, 1888

 

USS Chesapeake engaging HMS Shannon off Halibut Point, June 1813

John Ratti will expand on the significance of naval battles fought off the coast of Halibut Point. Our shores were not threatened again until German submarines crossed the Atlantic during World War 2 when the federal government constructed coastal watch facilities at Halibut Point.

Coast Guard Tower under construction at Halibut Point, 1942
Nancy Erkkila Bollinger photo courtesy of
John and Betty Erkkila, Souvenirs of Pigeon Cove

Radar station, beginning 1953

With the advent of radar the Halibut Point station became linked into the electronic coastal defense network. During the Cold War of the 1950s these facilities were managed closely between the U. S. Air Force and the academic corporation Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research (MITRE).

165-foot high transmission and receiving tower constructed in 1958

Whirlwind 1 computer at MIT, 1950s

John will trace parts of this story that underpinned Digital Age technological developments such as the modem and the computer mouse.