Ranger Monument
Kittery, ME


Photo courtesy of SeacoastNH Early Images.

This small granite marker and granite plaque was palced on Badger's Island (formerly Rising Castle Island) inthe early 20th century. It marked the site where John Paul Jones reportedly launched the sloop of war Ranger in 1777. In Ranger, Jones and 145 Piscataqua sailors traveled to Europe and with French support, attacked the UK coastline at Whitehaved and Selkirk with a single ship. The Ranger also captured HMS Drake, a startling deed against the largest Navy in the world. The tiny attacks had a large effect on the British morale and economy and helped bring the message of the American Revolution to Europe. Jones returned the following year in the Bon Homme Richard and the Ranger sailed home under Captain Simposn. The monument, ironically, was moved from Badger's Island and is now located in John Paul Jones Park, a small island of green in Kittery.

HOURS: Public monument
WEBSITE: http://seacoastnh.com/jpj/
ADMISSION: Free to see
ADDRESS: John Paul Jones Park Kittery, ME 03802
DIRECTIONS: From Portsmouth cross the Memorial drawbridge, pass over Badger's Island and the park is in the center of the divided traffic area adjacent to Warren's Lobster Pound
LINKS: Ranger Foundation, About the Ranger,