Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Bower Anchor
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
1. Bower Anchor Marker
This 7,000 anchor was salvaged off Newport, Rhode Island. Its size and shape match British Admiralty specifications for a bower anchor of a 74-gun ship of the line during the American Revolution and War of 1812. It was probably lost by one of the British warships that blockaded Newport during the Revolutionary War. The wooden stock was reproduced at Mystic Seaport.
Carried on the bow as their name suggests, bower anchors were a ships largest. By tradition the starboard (right) anchor was called the best bower. The port anchor was called the small bower even though it was usually the same size. Look for other examples of bower anchors on Mystic Seaports ships and near the Museums two entrance gates.
Erected by Mystic Seaport. (Marker Number 1941.762.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 41° 21.774′ N, 71° 57.847′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is in Mystic. It can be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville Avenue (Connecticut Route 27) and Bruggeman Place, on the right when traveling south. Located in Mystic Seaport. Touch for map
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline, in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore, and in the Thames River 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 New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Matthew Henson, 1866 - 1955 (a few steps from this marker); Mystic Seaport Museum First Building (a few steps from this marker); U99.9 H-1 Unlimited Hydroplane (within shouting distance of this marker); An Aquinnah Wampanoag History of a Whaling Ancestor (within shouting distance of this marker); Tsunami Boat from Japan (within shouting distance of this marker); Venture Smith, 1730 - 1805 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mystic Has a Complex and Engaging History. (within shouting distance of this marker); Acadia (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.
Also see . . . Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. (Submitted on September 1, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
2. Bower Anchor
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
3. Bower Anchor and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,628 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
