Growing up New Bedford I can remember looking out the window from many of my classes at Roosevelt Junior High (now Roosevelt Middle School). The year was 1962 when we would see truck loads of boulders being placed meticulously placed like a jig saw puzzle. The barrier was built be the Army Corp of Engineers and we were amazed how all of this came together. Construction of the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier began in October 1962 and was completed in January 1966, costing $18.6 million.
The reason why it was built was to protect the New Bedford fishing fleet from destruction from hurricanes. During 1938 and 1954 two hurricanes devastated the cities fishing fleet and many homes along the water front.
Once the project was complete and the heavy equipment was gone I can remember walking on top of the barrier on my way to school or home. It was a challenge to jump from boulder to boulder trying not to fall in the crevasses.
Today the top of the hurricane barrier is paved with a walking trail, park benches period lighting mile view of the harbor.
The container is another micro with no writing utensil. Please bring your own pen or pencil. Please place the container where you found it and during the summer watch out for muggles.
This is just a brief history of the hurricane barrier and I hope you enjoy the view.