There are slices of hidden history almost everywhere you look in Massachusetts. Today we’re visiting a historical site in Fairhaven, followed by a ride on a rail trail. Come along for a backyard road trip to Fort Phoenix and the Phoenix Bike Trail.
Fort Phoenix
From the center of Fairhaven, take the aptly named Fort Street south to the Fort Phoenix State Reservation. The original fort, which overlooks Fairhaven and New Bedford, which is just across the Acushnet River, dates from 1775. In May of 1775, in Buzzards Bay, just outside of Fairhaven, was the first Naval battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Fairhaven, where the Patriots captured two British ships and took their crew as prisoners.
Three years later, in 1788, New Bedford and Fairhaven were attacked in an event known as Grey’s Raid, destroying the fort in the process. Major Israel Fearing and his troops drove the British back out to sea. The fort, then known as Fort Fearing, was then rebuilt in 1784 and rechristened “Fort Phoenix,” not in homage to the future Arizona city, but in reference to the mythological bird that rose from the ashes. During the War of 1812, the fort also saw action, as it was attacked by the British ship HMS Nimrod.
Today’s Fort Phoenix
Fort Phoenix still has the cannons that once protected it. Today, it’s a peaceful place to take a walk or go to the beach. Also connected to the park is the Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier, which protects the city of New Bedford and the town of Fairhaven in case of damaging storms.
Phoenix Rail Trail
Keeping with the “Phoenix” theme is the Phoenix Bike Trail, a roughly 5-mile path that bisects Fairhaven. It begins in the center of town, easily accessible via a parking lot on Main Street. It connects with the Mattapoisett Rail Trail. It’s a perfect flat route that begins in town and ends by the bay. It is easily accessible to Nasketucket State Reservation via the Shaw Farm Trail. The bike trail is part of the South Coast Bikeway, which, when completed, will run for 50 miles from Swansea on the Rhode Island border to Wareham.
Enjoying Fort Phoenix and the Phoenix Bike Trail makes for an enjoyable South Coast afternoon.
