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    Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial

    4.9 (18 reviews)

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    About the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial
    Karen V.

    We came to Gloucester just to see the memorial. It was our first time seeing it in person. It was very moving. Especially after reading the following words from the memorial plaque: "These courageous men have been known by names other than fishermen. They were father, husband, brother, son. They were known as the finest kind. Their lives and their loss have touched our community in profound ways. We remain strengthened by their character, inspired by their courage and proud to call them Gloucestermen." It's such a dangerous profession, and so many lives lost to the sea over the years. We were fortunate to meet the daughter of a fisherman whose name is engraved on the bronze wall plaque. She was visiting in remembrance of him. The view from the memorial is so beautiful. The memorial itself is beautiful. Their lives and their loss have now touched more people around the world (outside this community). Don't miss seeing this when in Gloucester.

    Rooty T.

    Awesome memorial and tribute to fisherman lost at sea. Nice to see how over the decades loss of life was greatly reduced. Probably due to improved equipment, communication and rescue programs. The memorial is located along the waterfront on a narrow green belt just before entering downtown Gloucester from the south. Nice view of the Atlantic Ocean which can be calm as it was when I visited and quite deadly which is evident by this memorial.

    Andres A.

    This statue is in honor to the fishermen who never made it home. These men risk their lives every time they go out. They're several large plaques with the names of this crews which have perished starting from the 1700's until present. What a way to honor those men and families. If in Gloucester, definitely worth a visit, it is in a beautiful park where one can walk and enjoy the sites.

    Emily G.

    A classic and inspiring monument along the coast of Gloucester. I was showing my partner all the best sites and views that Massachusetts had to offer. If you are in the area this is definitely a must see. The monument is very beautiful and the surrounding area has the inscribed names of all the fisherman lost at sea.

    English sculptor Leonard Craske's 1925 bronze statue inscription: "They that go down to the sea in ships" from Psalm 107:23-32
    Georgie M.

    The Gloucester Fishermen Memorial is a very special and solemn place. When you are driving up this way, you may not be thinking of the history that surrounds this seaport village. As you might vaguely remember from that George Clooney movie The Perfect Storm, being a Gloucester fisherman has it's risks. Over the years, the fisherman have increased their area of fishing, going further and further into the north Atlantic. The statue itself was made by the English sculptor Leonard Craske in 1925. Along the perimeter of the statue, they have engraved the list of Gloucester fishermen who have lost their lives since the seaport's founding in 1623, near Cape Ann and Stage Fort Park. http://www.yelp.com/biz/settlement-of-cape-ann-gloucester#hrid:aOFtXY532FEVi-8fSH2_gw "They that go down to the sea in ships" is taken from Psalm 107:23-32

    Dan R.

    "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters" Psalm 107:23 What's the most dangerous occupation in America, with a fatality rate of 127 per 100,000? The answer is commercial fisherman, and it's been that way for a long time. This iconic memorial remembers the over 5,300 Glostermen lost at sea between 1711 and 2011. The year 1879 was particularly deadly, as 249 fishermen and 29 ships were lost. . The bronze statue of a fisherman struggling at the wheel of his ship is an impressive 8 feet tall and rests on a green granite base. Surrounding the statue are many engraved panels listing the years and number of men lost going back to 1711. Of particular interest is the 1991 entry listing the names of those lost on the ship Andrea Gail. Their story was chronicled in "The Perfect Storm" book (1997) and movie (2000). To the far left of the chronological plaques is one giving background on the history of Gloucester and its deep ties to centuries of fishing. The full inscription on the plaque reads: Gloucester Fishermen's Memorial For nearly four centuries the history of Gloucester has been the story of America's greatest fishing port. With this memorial we commemorate the lives and the legacy of those who died at sea while fishing. The first settlers came from England in 1623 to harvest the ocean's bounty. They concentrated on the rich fishing banks between Gloucester and Newfoundland, and later ventured throughout the Atlantic. During the 1800s, immigrants from many lands joined in the perilous work. Sustained by the hope of prosperity, they came from the Canadian Maritimes, Scandinavia and Ireland. Later, they came from Italy and Portugal. These Intrepid men established an industry that has yielded countless millions of pounds of fish. Their legacy came at a tremendous cost: the loss of over 5300 men. Some were overtaken by the howling winds and mountainous seas of a catastrophic northeaster. Some met their fate in the solitude of a small dory gone astray from the schooner that brought them to the banks. Some ships collided in storms and tragically sank. Others were run down by steamers in the shipping lanes. These courageous men have been known by names other than fishermen. They were father, husband, brother, son. They were known as the finest kind. Their lives and their loss have touched our community in profound ways. We remain strengthened by their character, inspired by their courage and proud to call them Gloucestermen. Numbers alone can never chronicle the loss of human life, yet the statistics reflect the magnitude of Gloucester's sacrifice. On these plaques are the names of men known to have been lost. This memorial also stands to honor those men and ships lost without record. Men known to be lost at sea and honored here: 5368 Of the nearly 1,000 ships lost, those lost with all hands: 265 Thousands of widows struggled to survive and raise their children and many of those fatherless children entered the trade of their lost fathers. Between 1860 - 1906, a staggering 660 ships sank. While many of the fishermen were saved, 3880 men were lost. A single storm in 1862 claimed 15 schooners and 120 men, while another devastating storm in 1879 took the lives of 159 men. Let us remember, honor and celebrate these fishermen who made their final voyage from this great port. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. Psalm 107, 23-24

    Frank B.

    Welcome to THE PREFECT STORM! Did the drive to Gloucester , MA to check it out. Nice area for a tourist but not much happening. So that WICKED TUNA you were looking for is probably not gonna get hooked up. The memorial statue is along the water way so stop and check it out.

    The six individuals that parish to see  .... The perfect storm
    Dan M.

    A great place to enjoy the fresh sea air, relax and listen to the ocean, walk along the water's edge, and think about all the men that perished doing what the loved .... the sea snd fishing!

    Calming space. Pay a visit and respect.
    Sari Marissa G.

    Please do not come to Gloucester Mass, the oldest seaport in the country and not pay a visit to the Fisherman's Memorial in the heart of town on Main Street on the water. Gloucester is responsible for starting the fishing industry, a very dangerous profession. It feels only natural while here to pay respect to those who lost their lives at sea off the coast here. The memorial remembers 5,300 men dating all the way back to 1711. Gloucester has a reputation for it's hardworking men. This is a very proud town. One where people have set down deep roots and where generations after generations of fisherman worked their entire lives. Where direct descendants of immigrants still live. Gloucester was one of the first of English settlements here, predating even Salem and Boston. I loved the sense of community this town has. The history and raw beauty of the rigid coast. I recently found out via Lore Podcast that there are 4,600 tiny, rocky islands off the coast of Maine and that many are difficult to navigate around. Those traveling from Gloucester to Canada on fishing expeditions have indeed washed upon those islands, especially in stormy weather. Who knew there were so many out there? The accents are thick and the work ethic is strong in this town. They'll stop to let you cross the street and say hi to you even if you're a stranger. I really had a soft spot for this town after getting to know some of the residents down at Crow's Nest which is known for its connection to "The Perfect Storm" and the story of the Andrea Gail. See the names of these crew members that ship lost under the 1991 section of the memorial. Everyone here has a story to tell about someone they know from Gloucester who lost his life to the Atlantic. Paying a visit to this eerily peaceful statue and memorial was the least we could do and what you should definitely do when you're this way. Chances are if you're in these parts, you're aware of the chilling past this place has and will want to visit this space. You'll be glad you did.

    Fisherman's Memorial
    Mark S.

    Dedicated on September 3rd 2000. This memorial is on the shores of Gloucester facing 10 Pound Island in Western Harbor. It memorializes the souls of over 5,300 men Gloucester's own who were lost at sea from 1711 to 2011. In this sleepy little fishing town in Massachusetts it is a must see if you are in the area. Pull over take a look at the 6 plaques and appreciate what it stands for, all the men that sacrificed their lives to provide for their families over the years. Some of these men were away from their families for months at a time facing treacherous seas. Yes it is famous because of the movie The Perfect Storm, but that is only a very small percentage of the men. It was mentioned to me and not noted on the plaque that 2 other ships went down that day trying to rescue the crew of the Andrea Gayle.

    Gorton's Fisherman logo
    Jimmy K.

    Stopped for about 10 minutes while on a tour. So the really cool thing is that this memorial is the logo for the Gorton's Fisherman products. Other than that there isn't much else to do there. It is a beautiful spot and there is a large walking area.

    My ancestors

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    Very picturesque place to walk around in the summer. There's not too much to do but it's a nice view and historic.

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    3 years ago

    Terrific park with beautiful views! There's ample parking and the place is impeccably well maintained!

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    very cool statue & views. the vibes are great no matter what season. there is a long stretch to take walks on & enjoy outside

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    Ask the Community - Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial

    Review Highlights - Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial

    It feels only natural while here to pay respect to those who lost their lives at sea off the coast here.

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    Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse - Great views.

    Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse

    3.3(3 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Many signs saying private road residents only. Very snobby and exclusive area. Nothing to see when…read moreyou get there. On the other hand, beautiful houses in the area.

    You can't get there…read morefrom here The diminutive Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse is a classic. Not many people know it's name or even where it is but millions have seen this light in movies, TV commercials and numerous ads. Very quietly very famous, Rudyard Kipling once stayed at the light to work on his Captain Courageous book. The Annisquam Light certainly isn't massive, tall or physically imposing but perhaps that's part of the appeal. It's gracefully flowing shape and gentle lines make for an extremely aesthetically pleasant sight. It's the light that many people instinctively think of when they hear the word lighthouse. The first lighthouse in the area was built in 1801 but as ship traffic in the harbor increased the small tower was replaced by the present 41 foot high present light in 1897. It originally had a 5th order Fresnel Lens but the lighthouse was automated in 1974 and is presently maintained by the Coast Guard. I would easily give this light five stars except for one important reason. It's virtually impossible to get close to. The only road to the lighthouse was made private and is guarded more securely than most stockpiles of nuclear weapons. The only way to really see the light is by the water or by being very, very sneaky. It is such a special and incredibly beautiful light that it is indeed a travesty that they make it impossible to get near. Damn, it's a lighthouse not a nuclear submarine, access to the light should be given to the public. Another example of bureaucrats doing what is easy but not what is right.

    Photos
    Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse - Not an easy light to get pics of.

    Not an easy light to get pics of.

    Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse - A beautiful lighthouse

    A beautiful lighthouse

    Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse - Hard to get close to, but pretty sunset views

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    Hard to get close to, but pretty sunset views

    Eastern Point Lighthouse - Gorgeous views of the water

    Eastern Point Lighthouse

    4.4(10 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    If you're in Gloucester and looking for something non-beachy to do, I recommend checking out…read moreEastern Point Lighthouse and walking across the breakwater to Dog Bar Lighthouse. First, you have to turn onto a private street lined with ridiculously beautiful mansions that you will never be able to afford in your lifetime and possibly your children's, staffed by a security guard (tell him you're here to see the lighthouse). After you drive past the private beach and the yacht club, all bedecked with No Trespassing and Private Entry Only signs to make you feel as unwelcome and plebian as possible by the 1% of Gloucester, you'll see the parking turn-off for the lighthouse. There, we met a very kind lady from Mass Audubon who explained the various migrational birds roaming around the area. You can't actually see or tour the lighthouse because it's fenced around and, from a distance, looks a little worse for wear. But looping around the side across some rocks, you can hop onto the jetty and stroll around and take in the sights. Great spot for photographers. It was beating down with zero shade and we forgot to put on sunscreen before heading out so we did a quick out-and-back but otherwise, it'd be a neat area to sit. $10 fee per vehicle (cash or QR code). No fee if you walk in. Definitely wear close-toed shoes; sandals or flip-flops on slippery rocks are a recipe for disaster. Also, watch out for poison ivy along the path to the jetty.

    Beware: This is not a polished tourist destination. Only visit if you're looking for a bit of…read moreadventure. To get to the Eastern Point Lighthouse, you have to turn down a road marked as private. (Apparently it isn't, really?) Then, you pass some other unwelcoming signs. Then you finally get to a small gravel parking lot with a sign that says "All are welcome!" The lighthouse isn't operational or open for tours. It's surrounded by fencing that makes it look condemned. But, if you walk through some sand and rocks along the water and then do a small bit of rock climbing, you can get a good view of an iconic lighthouse. When I visited, it was freezing rain and very windy. When I climbed up on the rocks to take a picture, the winds up there were so strong I was worried they'd blow my phone out of my hand. Combined with the sense that I was almost trespassing, it was oddly thrilling. There's not enough going on to warrant a long trip, but if you're in the area, want a fun diversion, and are fine driving down narrow, possibly private roads to a small gravel parking lot before navigating sandy, rocky, seaweedy tidewaters to see something iconic, it's a worthwhile diversion.

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    Eastern Point Lighthouse
    Eastern Point Lighthouse - Sunset was magical

    Sunset was magical

    Eastern Point Lighthouse

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    Hammond Castle Museum - Inside the castle

    Hammond Castle Museum

    4.1(127 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    I finally made to Hammond Castle after having it on my list of places to see for years…read more I made a reservation for a self-guided tour with a flexible entrance time of 11-45 AM -2:30 PM for their "Deck the Halls" holiday celebration. Cost was $25 per person. When we arrived there were cars waiting for a parking spot as they are limited. We did not have to wait too long for a space since there was a constant flow of people coming and going. I am unsure how it would be for parking in the summer as people may take longer to enjoy the outside area so I am glad we went during a cold morning. I totally enjoyed my visit as it was much more than a castle as it incorporated some interactive exhibits and information about its former owner John Jay Hammond Jr. I'll admit that I knew very little about him but left the place more informed about him - including that he held over 400 patents. You learn more about his work as you explore the house. Don't miss watching a short introductory video where the coat check area is located. It is a medieval castle built in the 1920s and it is not handicapped accessible. It is also not the best place for someone with mobility issues as it has many staircases to get around the entire place.

    Visiting family and they brought us here for an excursion. Such a unique experience, both…read morephysically and historically. We so enjoyed our tour with an amazing guide and also just freely exploring the grounds and the various rooms. The variations in architectural design are incredible. Unfortunately the gardens were not open as they are under maintenence. Well worth the time spent.

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    Hammond Castle Museum - Great hall

    Great hall

    Hammond Castle Museum
    Hammond Castle Museum

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    Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial - landmarks - Updated June 2026

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