World War II Tower
Isles of Shoals, ME


Photo courtesy of J. Dennis Robinson.

During the 2nd World War a series of towers were built along the immediate seacoast to search the surface of the water for enemy surface ships, not submarines, and observe aircraft. This information could be sent to bomb proof rooms in fortifications nearby. This tower now in disrepair but visible on Appledore Island is typical. It was a Base-end Station and radar station for Fort Dearborn on the mainland at what is now Odiorne Point in Rye, NH. Today it is managed by the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Apledore, which in turn is a project of Cornell and the University of NH. Searchlight positions were also located on Appledore at the Isles of Shoals. A barracks and the magnetic indicator loop station were also here during the war. The site is closed due to its condition. Can be seen clearly from ferry and tour boats.

HOURS: Out of commission
WEBSITE: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/
ADMISSION: Free to see, no admission to public
ADDRESS: Appledore Island, Kittery, ME Isles of Shoals, ME 03802
DIRECTIONS: View from shore along NH coast or take cruise boat from Rye or Portsmouth for Isles of Shoals tour
LINKS: All About WW2 Towers, Isles of Shoals,