Reliving Military History at Battleship Cove

The stairs were steep, the hallways narrow, and the oval doors hung so low that ducking was necessary. The surroundings seemed more suitable for a child's mobility than for an adult's, yet grown men lived for months on the submarine while fighting battles during World War II and the Korean War. Now, many years later, the submarine called "Lionfish" rests at Battleship Cove in Fall River, a town along the southern section of Massachusetts near Rhode Island.

"Lionfish" is one of several historic vessels open to visitors at Battleship Cove. Joining it is the Battleship Massachusetts, built in nearby Quincy, Massachusetts. Battleship Massachusetts participated in 35 battles during World War II and is said to have never lost a man in combat. Its crew fought the French off Casablanca during World War II, and then later the ship was sent to the Pacific. Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., also built in Quincy, was named after the president's brother who was killed during World War II. The destroyer played a role in the Korean Wars. It also stopped a Soviet-charted ship during the Cuban Missile Crisis, so that Americans could board the ship and check the cargo. Other vessels at Battleship Cove include the German ship Hiddensee, and PT boats, which are smaller motor torpedo boats that could sink a battleship or be deployed on rescue and recognizance missions.

Visitors can walk almost freely through the vessels, with most areas accessible to the public. They can peer into a recreation of the captain's living quarters, see the small cots military personnel would sleep on, and walk through the submarine's dining area as 1940s music plays in the background. They can climb the outdoor staircases to the upper decks of the ships, seeing up close the great guns and the lookout areas atop the giants. Deep in the lower decks of the submarine Lionfish, visitors can catch a glimpse of the area where missiles were stored.

Battleship Cove is located in a scenic, waterfront area of Fall River. An old-fashioned carousel sits outside its gate, as does The Fall River Heritage State Park and visitor's center. The visitor's center includes a 66-stair bell tower that has an aerial view of Battleship Cove and Mt. Hope Bay. The visitor's center also offers a display of the history of Fall River, a mill town that grew up with the Industrial Revolution. Fall River, however, is probably best known as the home of legendary Lizzie Borden, suspected of murdering her parents in 1892. Not far from Battleship Cove are the Marine Museum and Old Colony Fall River Railroad Museum.

Getting There

From Rt. I-195, take Exit 5 and follow signs. From Rt. 24 South, take Exit 7.

Hours and Information

Open year-round with the exception of major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission for adults was $10 as of the time of this writing, with discounts for seniors, children, and military personnel.

Web Links

Battleship Cove

Author: C. Danko
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