The Gooseberry Island Towers, perched on the picturesque Gooseberry Island in Westport, Massachusetts, stand as silent sentinels with a rich history dating back to World War II.

This island, first explored by Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602, witnessed gradual development during the early 1900s, with homes, beach cottages, and fishing shacks dotting its landscape. However, in 1942, the landscape of Gooseberry Island underwent a significant transformation when the U.S. government took control of 6.5 acres to erect fire control towers. These structures supported nearby guns in New Bedford Harbor and Narragansett Bay during World War II. Despite their construction, the guns were never actually fired, and as the war concluded, the Gooseberry Island Towers were left abandoned.

The post-war years brought their own challenges. Hurricane Carol, in 1954, wreaked havoc on many buildings on the island, causing substantial damage and destruction. In 1957, the state of Massachusetts took possession of the island, incorporating it into the Horseneck Beach Reservation. During this period, cottages on the island were removed, some finding new homes on nearby beaches.

Amidst the changes, the historic WW2 towers were spared from removal. Instead, Horseneck Beach Reservation incorporated them into a fascinating walking path, approximately 1 mile out and back, leading through the heart of the island. The towers, now adorned with graffiti that adds a layer of contemporary artistry, can also be accessed by strolling along the beach.

For visitors, the journey to the Gooseberry Island Towers offers not only a glimpse into military history but also a scenic adventure through the island's center. The walking path provides a tranquil experience, allowing individuals to absorb the natural beauty surrounding the remnants of wartime infrastructure.

Access to Gooseberry Island and its towers is facilitated by Horseneck Beach Reservation, which enforces a daily parking fee from May 15 through November. Fortunately, man's best friend is welcome to join the exploration, with dogs allowed to visit the towers any day outside of April 1st to September 15th.

As you traverse the path or stroll along the beach, the Gooseberry Island Towers stand as poignant witnesses to a bygone era, a testament to wartime preparedness, and now, intriguing remnants open for exploration in the midst of a natural coastal haven.