Fourth Cliff Military Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fourth Cliff Military Reservation |
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| Part of Harbor Defenses of Boston | |
| Scituate, Massachusetts | |
6-inch gun at Fort Columbia State Park, Washington state, similar to Battery 208.
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 Fourth Cliff Military Reservation
Location in Massachusetts
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| Coordinates | 42°09′35.34″N 70°42′20.05″W / 42.1598167°N 70.7055694°W |
| Type | Coastal Defense |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts |
| Controlled by | United States Air Force |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1942 |
| Built by | United States Army |
| In use | 1942-Present |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander |
Hanscom Air Force Base |
| Garrison | Scituate, Massachusetts |
The Fourth Cliff Military Reservation was a special place built during World War II near Scituate, Massachusetts, USA. Its main job was to help protect the coast. Today, it's a fun recreation area for military families from Hanscom Air Force Base.
Contents
Protecting the Coast: A Look Back
The Fourth Cliff Military Reservation was built on private land during World War II. It was part of a bigger defense system called the Harbor Defenses of Boston. This site had important tools to help protect the coastline.
What Was Built Here?
The reservation included an early radar system. Radar uses radio waves to detect objects, like enemy ships or planes. It also had special towers called fire control towers. These towers helped soldiers aim their big guns accurately.
There were also powerful artillery batteries. An artillery battery is a group of large guns used for defense. At Fourth Cliff, one battery had two large 6-inch guns. These guns were placed on special stands called barbette carriages. A magazine (where ammunition was stored) and a bunker (a strong underground shelter) were located between the guns. This battery was known as Battery 208 and was finished in November 1944.
Plans That Never Happened
There were plans to build an even bigger battery, called Battery 106. This battery would have had a huge 16-inch gun. However, this part of the plan was never built.
After the War
After World War II ended, the need for these coastal defenses changed. In 1948, the big guns at Fourth Cliff were taken apart and sold for scrap metal. The fort was no longer used for coastal defense.
Fourth Cliff Today: A Fun Getaway
Today, Fourth Cliff is a 56-acre (230,000 m2) seaside recreation area. It is located in Humarock, which is close to Scituate. The site sits high on a cliff, offering amazing views. On one side, you can see the vast Atlantic Ocean. On the other side, you can enjoy the beautiful North River.
What Can You Find Here?
The site now has many different buildings and facilities for people to enjoy. There's a bunker, which is a strong, reinforced structure. You can also see two old fire control towers.
For fun and relaxation, there's a recreation hall. Visitors can stay in various types of lodging. These include four 3-bedroom cottages, eleven 2-bedroom chalets, and two townhouses. There are also four smaller efficiency units. If you like camping, there are eleven spots for RVs and areas for tent camping. A pavilion is also available for gatherings.
Who Can Visit?
Fourth Cliff is now run by Hanscom Air Force Base. It serves as a military recreation area. This means it is open only to members of the military, their families, their guests, and civilians who work for the Department of Defense. It's a special place for these families to relax and enjoy the coast.
