Unearthing the History of the Chatham Naval Air Station
Nestled within the serene landscape of Nickerson Neck in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, lies the fascinating ruins of the Chatham Naval Air Station (CNAS). Today, this area is home to the luxurious Eastward Ho! golf club and stunning waterfront residences. But, over a century ago, it buzzed with activity as a World War I military base designed to protect the eastern seaboard from the looming threat of German U-boats.
I personally never knew about the Chatham Naval Air Station until 2024. During the fall of 2024, I started walking around more of the neighborhoods of Nickerson Neck. While walking, I began to notice some odd concrete foundations scattered around on different properties. I knew something must've existed in this area, but had no idea what it could have been. A few weeks passed and I ended up on the website of Eastward Ho! Country Club. On their website, they have a page dedicated to the history of the golf course and they mentioned an old seaplane base nearby. I assumed this was likely related to the ruins I was seeing and sure enough... it was!
Cape Cod Before The War
At the dawn of the 20th century, Cape Cod was a quiet, sparsely populated region. In 1910, just 27,500 residents called the Cape home—a stark contrast to the bustling 250,000 year-round population and half a million summer visitors today. The economy revolved around fishing, small shops, and seasonal tourism. Chatham, a quaint fishing town, was known for its rugged charm, with a handful of hotels and modest fishing fleets. It was a peaceful corner of Massachusetts, far removed from the chaos unfolding in Europe. That tranquility would soon be disrupted.
The United States Joins World War I
World War I erupted in 1914, and by 1917, the United States was drawn into the conflict, largely due to Germany’s resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. The German U-boat fleet had become a significant threat, sinking passenger and merchant ships across the Atlantic. To counteract this menace, the U.S. Navy began establishing coastal patrol air stations along the Eastern Seaboard. Chatham was selected for its strategic location at the Cape’s “elbow,” offering easy access to monitor Massachusetts Bay and Nantucket Sound.
Building the Base
Construction of the Chatham Naval Air Station began in August 1917, just months after the United States entered the war. The Navy acquired 36 acres of land on Nickerson Neck—an ideal site with open terrain, sheltered beaches, and minimal need for leveling. The Coleman Brothers of Boston oversaw construction, which included living quarters, seaplane hangars, a massive blimp hangar, a boathouse, and a 240-foot pier. Despite a brutal winter in 1917–1918 that froze local bays solid and complicated concrete pouring, progress continued. By January 6, 1918, the base was operational, hosting 87 men and five officers under the command of Lieutenant Edward H. McKitterick.
The base’s construction drew considerable local interest. On October 28, 1917, before the station was fully operational, the Navy held a flag-raising ceremony that attracted over 3,000 spectators—a record crowd for Chatham at the time. The event featured speeches, music from the Bay State Brass Band, and a rare chance for the public to glimpse military life. Soon after, the base was secured, and only authorized personnel could access the grounds.
Life and Operations at CNAS
The station quickly became a hub of activity. Curtiss R-9 seaplanes arrived in crates and were assembled onsite. These twin-float planes, later supplemented by larger HS-1L flying boats, patrolled the coastline daily, watching for German U-boats and escorting merchant ships. Communication was a challenge—pilots relied on signal buoys and homing pigeons to send messages, as the roar of Liberty engines drowned out onboard radios.
Blimps were also a key feature of CNAS. These slow-moving airships could scout vast areas for extended periods. Though their maximum speed was just 35 mph, their 900-mile range and all-day endurance made them invaluable for anti-submarine patrols. Two B-class blimps, the B-7 and B-12, were stationed at Chatham. These airships, though effective, faced their share of challenges; one was lost at sea, while another crash-landed in East Harwich due to a leaking gas pipe.
Life on the base was rigorous but not without moments of levity. Personnel engaged in sports, social events, and even hosted visiting dignitaries. One notable event was when the Chatham baseball team flew to New Bedford for a game, becoming likely the first sports teams to travel by air. These activities provided a much-needed respite from the intense focus on wartime operations.
The Attack on Orleans
One of the most dramatic events in CNAS history occurred on July 21, 1918. The German U-156 surfaced off Nauset Beach in Orleans and began shelling American vessels. The target was the tugboat Perth Amboy and its towed barges, which were destroyed in the attack. Shells also landed on Nauset Beach, marking the only time enemy fire struck U.S. soil during World War I. CNAS responded quickly, dispatching planes to counter the U-boat. However, faulty bomb mechanisms rendered their attacks ineffective. Despite the chaos, there were no fatalities, and the U-156 eventually retreated. The incident remains a vivid reminder of the war’s reach into American territory.
The First Transatlantic Flight
Less than a year after the Attack on Orleans, Chatham played a pivotal role in aviation history. On May 9, 1919, the Curtiss NC-4 seaplane landed at CNAS for repairs and refueling during its groundbreaking mission to become the first aircraft to complete a transatlantic flight. The NC-4’s successful journey—completed after 23 days and six stops—cemented Chatham’s place in aviation lore. The event drew national attention and showcased the base’s vital support capabilities.
Evening public ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) May 08, 1919.
The Base Winds Down
With the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, the need for coastal patrol bases diminished. CNAS was decommissioned in 1920, and by 1923, most of its buildings were dismantled. The wood from these structures found new life in local homes and even helped repair the Chequessett Inn in Wellfleet. By 1938, nearly all traces of the base were gone, except for a few concrete foundations.
Efforts to repurpose the site were largely unsuccessful. In 1927, the Navy attempted to lease the property for use as an airport or manufacturing site, but no bids were received. Eventually, the land was sold, and its transformation into a residential neighborhood began in earnest after World War II.
Redevelopment and Modern-Day Nickerson Neck
After the military vacated the land, Nickerson Neck transitioned into private hands. High-end homes began to dot the area, transforming it into one of Cape Cod’s most desirable residential neighborhoods. The iconic “Perfect Couple” house now occupies land where the seaplane hangar once stood, and its rectangular lot hints at the site’s military past. Nearby, a commemorative plaque at Strong Island Road honors the station and its contributions.
Traces of the Past
Though the Chatham Naval Air Station is long gone, remnants of its history remain for those who know where to look. A few concrete foundations are still visible, and the stories of daring pilots, innovative technology, and historic events like the Attack on Orleans live on in local lore.
Beyond physical markers, the legacy of CNAS is preserved in books, museums, and local storytelling. The book Wings Over Cape Cod offers a detailed account of the station’s history, and artifacts from the base can be found in regional archives. These resources ensure that the memory of Chatham’s role in World War I endures for future generations.
Reflecting on History
Walking through Nickerson Neck today, it’s hard to imagine the sights and sounds of a bustling air station during wartime. Yet, the story of CNAS is a testament to Chatham’s vital role in protecting the nation during a critical moment in history. From patrolling seaplanes to resilient blimps, the base’s legacy endures as a fascinating chapter of Cape Cod’s past.
As you explore this tranquil area, take a moment to reflect on its storied past. Beneath the beautiful homes and scenic landscapes lies a rich history of innovation, courage, and service to the nation.