Maritime Structures
Maritime Structures
The coasts of New England have provided resources for human activity since the pre-colonial period. AHS’s expertise extends to piers, wharves, dikes, canals, and lighthouses. We prepared National Historic Landmark documentation for the Eagle, the U.S. Coast Guard’s sail-training ship.
Featured Project
Cape Cod Canal
As part of the Cape Cod Canal Transportation Study, AHS prepared a report that identified and evaluated cultural resources that may be affected by the project. The canal is located at an eight-mile isthmus separating Buzzard’s Bay from the Cape Cod Bay. After a series of attempts to build a canal in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it was completed in 1914, and dredging continued until 1916 to increase the depth to 25 feet. The current Bourne and Sagamore bridges and the Buzzards Bay Railroad Bridge were completed 1934-35. The Cape Cod Canal and its associated structures are potentially eligible as a NRHP historic district, and the project area is also rich in Native American archaeological and cultural resources.
Other Project Examples
Long Wharf Pier
In connection with environmental review studies of proposed improvements to Route I-95, AHS researched the history of the Long Wharf pier in New Haven Harbor.
Mohegan and Long Rock Dikes
Two 19th-century stone dikes, or training walls, were documented in the Thames River. Built to remediate the constant fill accumulation that was obstructing commercial shipping, the dikes are historically significant.
Central Vermont Railroad Pier
AHS assessed the archaeological and historical significance of the Central Vermont Railway Pier in New London in advance of utility improvements.
For more information on AHS’s experience and capabilities, visit our expertise page.