My Dad was stationed there and other Forts down the Eastern coast during WWII. He updated all the search light and anti-aircraft guns to Radar directed. He had some cool stories

I have to chime in here with everyone else, only about my "home city" of the two forts of Boston Harbor (originally 3, but Fort Winthrop on Governor's Island blew up in the mid 20th century before being covered by Logan Airport)- Fort Warren in the outer channel, on Georges Island, and Fort Independence on Castle Island, all were renovated during the Endicott Period. All combined with the forts in Portland as part of that Atlantic protection net. I was very lucky to research and write my Master's Thesis for Grad school on this topic. A couple of great books on the topic are "Fortress America: The Forts that Defended America" (Kaufmann & Kaufmann, DaCapo Press 2004) or ""A Legacy of Brick and Stone: American Coastal Defense Forts of the Third System" (John R. Weaver, Redoubt Press, 2001) Great job JD!

They're called"disappearing guns" . My grandfather was stationed at Ft. Washington MD and was a battery commander, so to speak. He was there pre WWI. Married my grandmother there too

The tower is for observation and fire control for the big guns. The top part would house a huge binocular type device that would give range to the target. Then it would be relaid to the various guns, elev., distance, etc. After the guns would fire, they would watch the splash, and adjust accordingly. It's called ranging the shot. The Army uses 1760 yrds as a mile. Naval mile is 2000 yrds

Your videos are superbly produced and your content is interesting, engaging, and informative. If you’re ever up in the NH Seacoast area again there is just so much history here. From 1623 to the present , there has been and is a presence of a rich military history throughout the 17 miles of New Hampshire coast. From ft Constitution to Battery Seaman at Odiorne Pt, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Prison, ft Stark, USS Albacore museum and the American independence museum . These are just a few of the parks, installations and museums that make this area maybe not unique, but certainly of some historical significance. Thanks again for the great work you continue to create.

Your video/camera work is amazing. You may want to look at Fort Tilden (Queens, NYC), Fort Totten (Queens, NYC), Fort Wadsworth (Staten Island, NYC), Fort Hamilton (Brooklyn, NYC), and Fort Schuyler (Bronx, NYC) for a set of your videos. There were rumors of a tunnel from Fort Wadsworth-to-Fort Hamilton and a tunnel from Fort Schuyler-to-Fort Totten. Fort Tilden has a stretch of battery casements that resemble Hitler's Atlantic Wall in Normandy, France.

Brilliant video thank you. Really enjoy your work. I live in the UK and it never ceases to amaze me how comparatively little the good people of the USA know about this aspect of their own History. I know there was and probably still is a lot of scepticism over how likely a Nazi invasion of the United States could have been. Well from what I’ve learned over the years, back in 1944, there was no guarantees that D Day would have been a success. Eisenhower, on the eve of June 6th, famously writing his press release describing how the landings were not successful and he would take full responsibility. Had the second (or western front) collapsed, then certainly the whole of the UK and the eastern seaboard of the US would have come under direct attack from enhanced V2 ballistic missiles. The Nazis were close to developing the technology to reach eastern US cities with larger warheads. The concept of a Long range bomber (Amerikabomber) had begun shortly after Germany declared war on the United States in 1941 and had seen five prototypes under construction, as noted by Albert Speer in his post war diaries made during his imprisonment. These were to be specifically used in a direct strike against the eastern US. Fortunately the Western allies were successful in Europe and these Scenarios never got the chance to play out. Had the UK not prevailed, then the US would have almost certainly faced a direct threat from the Axis powers or an entire Europe under Soviet control, who would have had the entire Nazi scientific and technological infrastructure at their disposal. Makes for great debates.

Absolutely amazing!! I had no idea that German u-boats were that close to mainland United States. My mind is blown!!! Thank you for the education.😊😊😊

You're living the life I wish I could live sir! I love studying & visiting historical sights.

If you ever get out to the Pacific NW, you should explore Fort Casey, Fort Worden and Fort Flagler. Together they were known as the "Triangle of Fire," a trio of strategically placed fortifications that defended the entrance to the Puget Sound. Used during WW I and II.

I knew, in theory, that we had some sort of coastal defense. It's amazing the similarities between the German atlantic wall fortifications and what you took us through today. I imagine there are other locations still around as well.

Don’t know how I missed this fascinating episode. I have to chuckle, I’m unaware of anyone who gets more excited by overgrown decaying concrete and steel than you. Of course I am fascinated by the impact that walking the actual ground of historically significant sites can elicit. That’s why I enjoy your channel.

This episode was fantastic. We are so separated from battlefields here in the US so It was really cool to step back in time and see what we were preparing for. Well done. Also, welcome to New England. Gotta get you up here more often.

In the 1970s my Boy Scout troop used to camp near some similar gun emplacements on Sandy Hook in New Jersey. When I visited the fort (Fort Hancock), ironically with my son on a scout trip, I was told that all of the large gun emplacements on the bay side had collapsed into the bay!! Great memories!

Excellent job. Your camera work is wonderful. I'm no professional but I love the shots you take, it gives a great perspective of the location you are exploring.

Happy to see it hasn't beer defaced.

Superb videos! Im Swedish but I have relatives who fought on both sides in WWII. My grandfather on my mothers side, flew transportation aircraft. On my fathers side a Glen P Cook flew recon over France. Exceptionelly well made videos which grabs your interrest straight from the start! Beeing a huge BoB fan brought me here. Keep up the great work!

This was a fantastic history lesson. I really appreciate your camera work. You have the best channel on KZfaq. Thank you for what you do.

I lived right near there for 10 years and never knew it was there! One of my favorite places, Portland Head Light, where you started the video. The old forts in Boston were great too, I haven't been back there in years. I hope you will do a few on Boston. Kepp up the great work.

We have similar emplacements here in Baltimore, Md, particular at Ft. Howard, which was nicknamed "The Bull Dog at Baltimore's Gate". Interesting fact part of the land was later used as a VA hospital which has since closed, as well as housing POWs during WW2. During Viet Nam the Army built a small Vietnamese village on the land to train SF troops in counter-counterinsurgency warfare (The US Army intel school was based in Baltimore till the late 70s at Ft. Hollibard). Lastly, the Ft. is also located near the area called Northpoint, which is where Maryland millita forces fought a decisive delaying action against British regulars during the war of 1812 when the British attempted to attack Baltimore.

Oh man I wish I could have gone with you on this one. I grew up in the San Francisco area where these gun emplacement were everywhere. I explored every one of them I could get into. Later I moved to Portland Or. and explored all that the mouth of the Columbia River had to offer. I have been in love with coastal defense history latterly all my life. Hope to get out to Mane at some point. Thanks for showing me all the places I just can't get to right now in ALL your videos. This channel is amazing!

I found your tour of Cushing Island very interesting. I had never heard of it. Back in the early 60s, I was stationed at the Brunswick Naval Air Station which is located a little northeast of Portland. I was with a patrol squadron (VP-26). We flew P-2V patrol planes.....and one task was anti-sub warfare. Thanks for the tour and history of Cushing Island.

Your cinematography is outstanding and your music hauntingly wonderful. Another great video about a place I never knew existed. Thanks.

I would love to see those batteries restored to their original condition. That would be so cool. Two possibilities for the pedestal base in the top of the tower. It could have been a mount for an optical range finder so the observers could pass range and azimuth to the gunners, or it could have been a mount for a pair of those giant naval binoculars. I'd bet on the range finder. Great episode. Thanks.

We're all lucky that your phobia of heights doesn't translate to the open sea! Thanks, JD.

There are three old forts meant to protect the Puget Sound here in Washington state, that have the same architecture as in your video. These three installations; Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, and Fort Casey are now Washington State Parks that are beautifully maintained. All three have old military homes that can be rented with trails and camping that are very popular. If my memory holds, I believe there is a Battery Endicott at one of the forts.

Very cool. Didn’t know that existed. Thanks for teaching me something new today.

Thank you for visiting! As a Maine resident it's always nice to see visitors getting to experience Maine. Great video as always!

That was pretty awesome tour. There are a few more, not as big on the south coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Some are at the site of late 18th and 19th century forts. History behind these are truly fascinating. Thank you for sharing!

Wow, fantastic. Had no idea that this installation was in place, most of these are not discussed in education. Thank you for showing the light of day to this subject. What a great video, what an exceptional job you have done here. And the best part as usual is we are fumbling in learning of this place along with you. Again I must say exceptional. Be safe and take care.

So amazing!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and travels of these historical places!! Thank you as well for not cursing. I completely enjoy your videos!! 🇺🇸🙏❤🗽🙏❤👍

I love your History Channel. I've seen things on here I never even knew existed. Keep up the great work

This is amazing! I had no idea of it's existence! Thank you for taking me here!

Fort Adams in RI is the biggest I think for pre WWII. I have been there several times. We got similar structures regarding WWII in San Diego, San Pedro and San Francisco. They are very fascinating and puts in perspective of what we have today. Thank you and that was awesome!

Your videos always inform us about little known historical facts regarding our country's history.

Awesome again my friend. People need to see what went on. 👍👍👍

Great Episode! Glad you made it up here to New England...hopefully you'll be able to come back and check out Lexington and Concord sometime!

I betting the mount in the top of tower was for range finder and info was phoned to gun emplacement.

If you are ever in Washington, around Port Angeles, there are defenses all along the coast of the Strait of Juan De Fuca between the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula and Canada that are pretty creepy and being lost to the forest and erosion. I explored one, on one occasion, but didn't have a light to go inside. Your videos are so inspiring and beautiful. Thank you.

Another stellar video! Great job brother!

Very cool, I knew they existed but never actually saw a picture of one much less a tour. Kudos to you for going through those creepy hallways.

Your one of the few people that when I watch a video you post everything else I stop, this one was amazing; I had no clue about this and study WWII a ton.

I remember visiting old WWII coastal batteries at Santa Rosa Island in Florida as a kid. I and my friends also used to mess around at Fort Fremont outside Beaufort, SC as teenagers. Cool stuff!

Thank you for sharing this very interesting and informative article with me ! Take care , stay safe and healthy with whatever you maybe doing next ! Doing well here in Kansas .

This is totally fascinating. Never have I ever even heard of this. Wow what an incredible vlog 👍🏻😎

Very interesting, amazing and cool! It stands to reason if one thinks about it at all but I've never thought about it. Thank you for taking us along. There are so many places I knew nothing about nor did my dad that I've so close to without knowing it! Again, thank you!

My late Aunt had a house on Great Diamond Island in Portland harbor and the stories I used to hear of ships like the USS Missouri steaming past the island were amazing! And the stand on the top level of the observation tower was likely for optics to watch the harbor.

I live in New Jersey, near Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook. There are so many old buildings that are in such disrepair, and I learned (finally) from this video what they are and what they might look like inside. Fort Hancock has old missal silos (I think that’s what they’re called) and so much history. I wish the buildings there were taken care of better so this part of history could be preserved. Thank you again for another great video!

Another great one sir. I originally lived in PA until I enlisted in Army and never took advantage of seeing historical stuff on east coast. I have to go back!!! Thank you sir

Wow. That observation bunker on top of battery Foote really reminds me of the observation bunker on pointe du hoc in Normandy. Fascinating stuff. On to the next place JD

Excellent Adventure , never new this Military post existed. Cool island defense... I love past history and abandoned buildings 🏚 Thank You for sharing 🇺🇸

Great great episode. Other then living up there, very few have prob seen what you’ve shown us. I am a huge WW2 buff, and I have never seen a lot of this. Great piece of history.

Awesome video! These old coastal forts and gun emplacements fascinate me. There are a few in my area, including Fort Mansfield (Watch Hill, RI), Fort Trumbull (New London, CT) and Fort Griswold (Groton, CT). If you are ever in southeast CT, I would highly recommend seeing both Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold. Both were involved in the Battle of Groton Heights during the Revolutionary War (the British attack was lead by Benedict Arnold). So much interesting history to be seen here in the US.

From Vermont. Been coming to Maine all my life. Just got back from a boat tour of Portland. Saw those same Forts. Very cool!! You know there was a battle in Portland harbor during the War of the rebellion in 1864. Would be cool to dive on the shipwrecks in Portland. Thanks again JD love your channel 👍👍

Love all the videos that you post. After watching, I then go on google maps and explore the areas that you talk about. Keep it up and I'm positive work you are doing will be enjoyed by future generations to come.

Absolutely amazing at how something like that was built. Another awesome episode, keep up the outstanding work.

I think this is one of the best episodes you have done. Amazing

Had to come on and comment because my heart was pounding while you were in Battery Foote! I just knew someone or something was going to jump out!

Looks just like some of the forts on the west coast! There’s a group of forts in Washington called the triangle of fire that were built just before WWI that had very similar designs with the disappearing guns. What’s cool is there’s still lots of well preserved fortifications and one even had a gun still in place! Great video!

The aerial view gave me goosebumps !

Excellent...You explain the locations very well......Thanks....

I'm thinking a better flashlight might help keep the boogie man away!!!! Great job as always, and still in awe of your selection of music! And your wonderful sense of adventure! "I don't know what it is, but it's cool." Love it!

Great video... very interesting! l climbed up a 100 foot forestry tower in Alberta Canada. From the top you could see 35 miles in any direction giving a total view of 70 miles. The ladder was totally exposed though... no covered stairwell!😬

Truly awesome!! I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE.THANK YOU SO MUCH.👍👍☺👵

I have been around this by boat and looked at it from Portland Headlight, which you started from. You had a great view of Ram Island Ledge Light. I had no idea that the batteries were so extensive. Thanks for this,

Wonderfully interesting Videos and always look forward to the next one.You really know your stuff when it comes to War History!!!

This is my favourite WWII Urbex channel lol

Thanks for your dedication. Your channel is amazing!

Who wants to go down the creepy tunnel first? lol...Awesome. Very cool video. Once again, I learned something new. I had no idea these defenses existed.

I live on the west coast of Oregon. We have these structures at the mouth of the Columbia River on the Oregon and Washington sides of the river. They were built shortly after the Civil War. They have cleaned them up and you can roam around through them.

Love Portland and it's history, keep up the good work you do!

Wow, amazing to see. Thanks for sharing.

Great episode. I live on the other coast in Washington state. Something similar here but not quite as extensive is Fort Warden on the Olympic Peninsula in the small city of Port Townsend. A wonderful place to visit.

Very intresting video. I did my military service in coastal artillery late 80's in Finland and this took me back to those days.

First off, I consider myself to be quite knowledgeable of Maine history, but I had NO idea this place existed! Thank you for pointing this fascinating place out to me. If I can tolerate Portland to get to the boat I’ll go down and check out this cool part of Maine history.

THIS PLACE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BIG TIME....WELL DONE BUDDY

I had a chance years ago while working in Alaska to tour the fortifications south of the city of Kodiak, similar to what you saw in Maine. I've also been to the observation stations at Diamond Head near Honolulu, it is an interesting climb through the lava walls from the inside of Diamond Head to get there. Cool images.

another very interesting subject/video. Great work.

the part to see that nature is taking over is facinating to me!!

Really enjoyed this one. Never knew this was up there. And Fort Scammel across the bay looks equally impressive.

First have to say this is by far my favorite channel on KZfaq hands down . Everything about the channel is awesome so please keep doing what you are doing . I have lived in Ft Washington Md my whole life and would love if you came and did a video on the Forts here . The location is on the Potomac outside of DC and I know you would kill it like all of your video . Safe travels and keep rocking brother 👍🏼🙏🏻

There is also an extensive bunker and coastal defense system on both sides of the Golden Gate. They even converted some of them into missile silos during the Cold War. My dad tells of sitting in class out in the avenues (Sunset District) and watching them do target practice with a barge being towed behind a navy vessel during WWII. Her said they didn't hit the targets very often.

I visited there nearly 20 years ago. It’s such a wonderful place.

Great video. We fellow explorers love to watch you explore. My niece is actually moving to Portland, Maine in January after her Marine Corps enlistment ends.

So neat ! Thanks for the tag along

I agree that a trip to Portsmouth Naval Prison would be an excellent episode. There are several books on the subject and many in the Marine Corps that were stationed there are probably still around to share their experiences.

Really cool to see thanks for showing!

Very cool, We have Fort Stevens on the Oregon coast very simular to this. Thanks for the videos

Whenever you're in NJ, go to Cape May. There's an old battery along the beach that's seen better days as well as a WWII look out tower. Across the bay in DE is another WWII coastal battery as well. Check em out.

A piece of forgotton history & stunning scenery. Portland,Maine is sure pretty to see in the autumn.. miss travelling the States. ☹

This was a GREAT video. I never thought of there being U.S. bunkers

Again, very interesting to watch.

Fort Wetherill on Jamestown, RI has similar structures and a lot of (now) plated up tunnels, some leading to sheer cliffside! Now I realize all the concrete semi-circles were for the guns!

Wow! Awesome, awesome. Another place that I will never be able to get to. Thanks for this.

You do awesome material, been a subscriber for a while now, and never disappointed, cant wait for you to get back to various parts of Europe. Keep up the good work

There were big concrete gun emplacements in Galveston, Texas right on the seawall (Gulf of Mexico). We used to surf across from one of them. I haven't been to Galveston in several years but I hope they're still there. Humble Oil (now Exxon) is about an hour away in my home town, Baytown. If I remember correctly....90% of the AV has produced for WW II came from my home town. My grandfather was an Air Raid Warden.

Wow, that was cool! Nice to see it hasn't fallen victim to the two legged 'elements' (taggers and so on).

Let’s not forget Montauk Point,NY. Camp Hero with gun emplacements it was just opened to the public a few years back. Also part of the Manhattan project. PS awesome channel. Thankyou for sharing.

I've been to the coastal defenses on the west coast by San Francisco but didn't know the east coast had some as well. Nice video.

Reverse Atlantic wall, does remind one of the Normandy fortifications. Never would have guessed they existed here. Very interesting video.