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All the United States Massachusetts Devens Sweetheart Memorial

Sweetheart Memorial

A tribute to the couples who brave long periods of separation during wartime.

Devens, Massachusetts

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The Sweetheart Memorial in Fort Devens.   Fort Devens Museum (Used with permission)
The Sweetheart Memorial in Fort Devens.   Fort Devens Museum (Used with permission)
The plaque at the site.   Fort Devens Museum (Used with permission)
The Sweetheart Memorial in Fort Devens.   twolittlekittycats / Atlas Obscura User
The Sweetheart Memorial in Fort Devens.   twolittlekittycats / Atlas Obscura User
The Sweetheart Memorial in Fort Devens.   twolittlekittycats / Atlas Obscura User
Abandoned fort buildings up the hill from the memorial   guincaswell14 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located on the grounds of the old Fort Devens in Massachusetts, the Sweetheart Memorial is one of the oldest monuments in the complex.

The heart-shaped memorial was dedicated in November 1918 as a tribute to service people and their loved ones, who brave long periods of separation during the time of war. Local romantic legend has it that stones were brought from all over America by the wives and fiancées of soldiers and were used in its construction. It was a popular place for couples to take wedding pictures and say their goodbyes when soldiers were about to be sent overseas.

An ivy and moss covered set of stone steps overlooks the memorial, and a plaque above the heart explains its significance. The memorial, which turns 100 next year, is slowly crumbling and the area is a bit overgrown, but still a sweet place to visit.

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This is located on Jackson Road, the main street running through the old fort. There is a sign marking it, but it is small so you have to keep an eye out. There is no parking at the memorial itself, but it's a short walk from the parking lot of a nearby playground which is also visible from the road. While there, explore the rest of the old fort which has some spooky abandoned buildings and other memorials.

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Published

September 6, 2017

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Sources
  • http://www.devensec.com/maps/monuments.pdf
  • http://www.fortdevensmuseum.org/WWISoldierLoveStory.php
  • https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=73927408
  • http://www.devensec.com/maps/devens_walkbostonmap.pdf
  • https://www.cardcow.com/77736/sweetheart-monument-fort-devens-massachusetts/

Related Tags

Love Hearts War History Memorials Forts Weddings Military
Sweetheart Memorial
59 Buena Vista St
Devens, Massachusetts, 01434
United States
42.547509, -71.608563
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