Auburn in Worcester County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Goddard Rocket Launching Site
Photographed by Stephen St. Denis, February 24, 2020
1. Goddard Rocket Launching Site Marker
On March 16 1926 Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the worlds first liquid propellant rocket from a point 100 feet south-southeast of this tablet on the property of the Asa M. Ward family. Erected by The American Rocket Society July 13, 1960 in recognition of this significant achievement in the evolution of astronautics.
Erected 1960 by The American Rocket Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the AIAA Historic Aerospace Sites, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 16, 1926.
Location. 42° 13.25′ N, 71° 48.833′ W. Marker is in Auburn, Massachusetts, in Worcester County. It is on Upland Street 0.4 miles east of Pakachoag Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Upland Street, Auburn MA 01501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’ Quiet Corner, in Greater Worcester, and in the Blackstone Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indian Village Pakachoag (approx. one mile away); John J. (Jack) Barry '10 (approx. 1.4 miles away); Bartholomew F. (Bart) Sullivan (approx. 1.4 miles away); Dr. Robert H. Goddard Park
this page online
More about this marker. The Goddard Rocket Launching Site is a National Historic Landmark commemorating the launch site of the world's first successful liquid-fueled rocket. The marker is located at the Pakachoag Golf Course clubhouse. An obelisk marking the launch site itself is about 1000 feet (300 m) southeast of the marker, at the "9th Fairway, between Tee and Green."
This marker was designated an AIAA Historic Aerospace Site in 2000 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Additional keywords. AIAA Historic Aerospace Site
Photographed by Stephen St. Denis, February 24, 2020
2. Marker at the actual site of the rocket launch
This marker is 1000 feet southeast of the roadside marker. The obelisk is on the 9th Fairway, between Tee and Green, of the Pakachoag Golf Course.
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Launch Site
Its OK to visit this spot if you avoid interfering with golfers.
Photographed by Janet Schexnayder, December 9, 2021
4. The Goddard Rocket Launching Site Marker
Obelisk marker is to the right of the red building. Taken from public sidewalk in nearby neighborhood.
Photographed by Janet Schexnayder, December 9, 2021
5. The Goddard Rocket Launching Site Marker
Obelisk marker is to the right of the red building.
Photographed by Stephen St. Denis, February 24, 2020
6. The Launch site Marker
In the distance on the Pakachoag Golf Course. Looking south from Upland Street.
Photographed by Esther C. Goddard, March 8, 1926
7. Dr. Goddard and Rocket
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2020, by Stephen St. Denis of Worcester, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 1,418 times since then and 114 times this year. Last updated on August 30, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2020, by Stephen St. Denis of Worcester, Massachusetts. 3. submitted on March 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on December 9, 2021, by Janet Schexnayder of Slidell, Louisiana. 6. submitted on March 18, 2020, by Stephen St. Denis of Worcester, Massachusetts. 7. submitted on August 30, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
