Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post: A Relic of World War II in Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, New Hampshire

The Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post, situated within the modern-day Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, stands as a poignant and fascinating testament to the military history of World War II. This abandoned military structure, once teeming with activity, played a vital role in the fort's operations and communications.

Erecting Fort Dearborn:

The roots of the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post are deeply entwined with the establishment of Fort Dearborn itself, a strategically significant World War II fort located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, within the town of Rye. Fort Dearborn was brought into being in 1942, serving as a cornerstone of coastal defenses for the region. It dutifully protected the southern entrance to the Piscataqua River, which led to Portsmouth Harbor, a site of paramount importance during the war due to its proximity to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and other vital areas.

Acquiring land for Fort Dearborn was not without its challenges, involving two separate condemnation processes. Private landowners were given a mere 30 days to vacate their properties. The first land acquisition, spanning 206.08 acres, concluded on May 11, 1943, followed by the procurement of an additional 60 acres on October 11, 1943.

Constructing the Gun Group Command Post:

It is believed that the construction of the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post commenced in 1944, coinciding with the opening of Battery Seaman. This post operated in concert with the Battery Commander's (BC) and Gun Group Commander's (G1) Observation Stations, perched atop Battery Seaman. It served as the nerve center for decision-making and communications within Fort Dearborn.

Men stationed at the command post maintained a constant vigil, dealing with incoming and outgoing communications 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their critical task was to remain in frequent contact with personnel stationed in the Fort Dearborn Plotting Room bunker, ensuring seamless coordination for the fort's defense.

End of an Era and Abandonment:

With the close of World War II and the diminishing threat of attack, the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post, like many other wartime structures, saw its role diminish. The military's focus shifted to new challenges and technologies, and many coastal defenses were rendered obsolete. Subsequently, the military disused the post, allowing it to fall into a state of abandonment. The surrounding land was repurposed as part of Odiorne Point State Park.

Exploring the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post Today:

Today, the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post stands as a poignant relic, a poignant reminder of World War II history. Visitors to Odiorne Point State Park have the unique opportunity to explore this abandoned structure, allowing them to connect with the past and envision the pivotal role it once played during the war.

As you explore the post, the graffiti-covered exterior hints at its storied history, while the interior, although devoid of its former activity, holds echoes of the dedication and vigilance of the men who once served there.

However, it's essential to note that the building is not maintained and could be structurally unsound. Visitors should avoid entering the structure, as it poses potential safety risks.

Accessing the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post:

Visitors can access the Fort Dearborn Gun Group Command Post through Odiorne Point State Park. Two primary parking areas are available within the park. The western parking area, located at the Odiorne Point Boat Launch, offers the closest access to the command post. Alternatively, the primary Odiorne Point State Park parking lot, situated approximately half a mile to the east of Battery Seaman, is also accessible. A parking fee of $4 per vehicle is collected at the park, and please note that dogs are not allowed.

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