Fort Sewall

On a warm summer day there's nothing better than packing a picnic lunch and lolling on the grass at Fort Sewall. The fort itself is open only a limited number of times each year, including the Glover's Regiment Encampment. It's a tiny fort, without much in the way of historical artifacts or displays, but the location is fantastic. Situated at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor and facing the lighthouse, it offers panoramic views of Salem Sound, the ocean, and Marblehead Harbor. The Fort's claim to fame is having defended the USS Constitution as it slowly "ran away" from a British frigate during the war of 1812 (pulled by its crew in dories is more like it). The Constitution barely made it into Marblehead harbor ahead of their pursuers and the regiment at the fort fired their only cannonball toward the British, succeeding in bluffing the attackers away from Old Ironsides. Public restrooms available during warm months. Former home of the Rebel Shakespeare group (now parked in neighboring Salem). Adjacent to Screaming Lady Beach, a picture-perfect rocky New England spot. Yards away from the Barnacle, locally (in)famous watering hole right on the harbor that offers great burgers and fried clams.