Fort Revere Park is many things. It is a place of enjoyment for residents of Hull and surrounding communities. It is a tourist attraction for visitors from all parts of our country and an anticipated destination for historians from around the world. It is also at times a place for cultural arts and ceremonies. Fort Revere is a wonderful place to take a walk, enjoy the views, and bask in some sunshine; even on a foggy day the park is a relaxing place to visit. These are great things to know about current activities at Fort Revere. The most important thing to know is the history it holds. Its past has many more stories to tell.
Many may wonder what the architectural tower sitting high on the hill is. It is an icon of the bayside seen by many homes highlighting the sunset views and can be seen from many homes as it enhances the sunset views. It is a longtime mariners’ landmark. As you drive through Hull, the tower seems to follow – a welcoming beacon of Hull.
This wonderful structure is the Fort Revere Water Tower. It was built on one of the highest points of Hull in 1902. It served as a military water tower and a lookout for Invading ships. Our tower is the first reinforced concrete tower built in the United States. It sits on one of the points of the original pentagonal earthwork fort built in 1777. Although the earthwork fort is buried, points of the star shape can still be recognized in various areas throughout the park.
Along with the tower a row of concrete structures remains at the park. The structures no longer hold cannons, guns, or soldiers; only the stories and history remain. Stories of evacuation of residents, gunfire vibrations rattling homes and windows, and remnants of ancestors’ memories passed down. It is a history to be proud of, a history to protect and preserve.
Fort Revere was active beginning in the Revolutionary War through World War II as a robust part of the Boston Harbor network of defense. The fort was originally built by Gen, Joseph Palmer, who was born in Devonshire, England, and emigrated in 1746. French Marines later aided Americans against the British and worked to upgrade the earthwork fort. Two hundred French soldiers serving at Fort Revere succumbed to sickness and are buried at an unknown site on Telegraph Hill.
If you visit Fort Revere for the first time or make a return visit, while you are enjoying the wonderful view take another look around and reflect on the important history of our town and the effect our harbor defense had on this country. You may see concrete foundations and various remnants, signs of a past gone by, and gain a whole new outlook on our hidden treasure.
The Fort Revere Park and Preservation Society will continue to raise awareness about the history of Fort Revere and work to protect the visual history that remains and the vital history of Hull’s past. Watch for future updates and new events coming soon. And for more information on Fort Revere and how you can help our cause, contact us at parkpreservationsociety@gmail.com, call 781-724-4809, or follow us on Facebook @parkpreservationsociety02045.
