odiorne state park
HISTORY HUNT
You may know this land as Odiorne Point State Park, but it has undergone many transformations over the centuries. Using the map provided, adventure to these locations throughout the park and see what you can discover! Take pictures of what you find and share with our Naturalists!
HOW MANY PLACES CAN YOU FIND IN THE PARK?
BATTERY 204
The bunker had two 6 inch rapid fire guns mounted on either side of the casemate. Each could fire a 138 pound shell about 15 miles out to sea. The observation tower on top provided the lookout for guns located on Odiorne Point. Inside the bunker are rooms used for plotting and spotting enemy ships, gunpowder and shell storage, and an electrical power room. This bunker also included a decontamination room in case of a chemical attack.
Different from most other batteries, the design of Battery 204 has the Commander’s Station built on top of the magazine. Climb to the top for a great view of the Isles of Shoals!
FROST POINT
The Abenaki and the Penacook are indigenous tribes that used to live on this land prior to English settlement. Did you know the Gulf of Maine was a valuable resource of seafood and materials for both tribes?
COLUMBUS ROAD & FOUNDER’S MONUMENT
In the spring of 1623 a group of Englishman landed here in New Hampshire. Did you know people first lived here 10,000 years ago and called what is known as Odiorne Point State Park today, the “Dawn Land.”
Columbus road was built by the town of Rye in 1838. The monument was erected in 1899 by the Colonial Dames of America in order to commemorate the states’ first English settlers.
DOLPHIN FOUNTAIN
Look around for stone pillars – this would have been part of your driveway if you lived here in the early 1900’s.
This was the location of the Marvin / Straw House or “Sea Acres”. The home was built at the turn of the century, and had a total of five different owners. The fountain was powered by a small windmill that brought water from a well located behind the seating area.
ORDIORNE HOMESTEAD
The Odiorne house dates back to the 1800’s. According to family history, this was the third house built by the Odiornes on this property. In 1657, John Odiorne became the first in a long line of family members to inhabit the land. At first, the Odiornes made their living by commercial fishing, farming, haying the salt marsh, and trading with the Native Americans. The house and barn are now owned by the state of NH and are not open to the public.
Location: 505 Ocean Blvd., Rye NH
