Human History

The human history of East Point, my phenology spot back home, is incredibly rich and interesting. Human impact here can be found dating back to the early 1700s, as it was used during the Spanish American War as a signal and mine system and later for experimentation of radio-controlled ships, aircraft and defensive torpedo batteries. After this, it was then used by electronic companies that used the site for the development of powerful searchlights in the mid 1700s, and was abandoned during the 1800s. However, the site was then used once again for war, this time during World War II. Gigantic coastal defense gun batteries were stored here during this time, while the U.S. Navy operated a magnetic loop and radio buoy station there. This was dismantled after the war ended, and in 1961 the land was purchased by Northeastern University. Northeastern still owns the land to this day, and it is used for marine research and studies, as there is a rich and diverse ecosystem below the waves in Nahant. The human history of East Point really is incredibly interesting, and it’s neat to see how the use of space has progressed over time.