Marconi wireless station

Between 1912 and 1933 a Marconi wireless relay station operated from a 300 feet above sea level area on the south side of the town of Fogo. Over the years several primary operators and their families lived in a house beside the tower. One purpose of this station was to maintain communication between fishing and sealing ships. The Fogo station was the second place to pick up the distress signal from the Titanic. The telegraph center was closed in 1933 as this method of communication became outdated.

Using local labour a finely crafted interpretation center was completed in June near the site of the old tower. The inside of the entire two storey building is finished with narrow tongue and groove pine boards. A panoramic view of the town and harbour of Fogo can be appreciated from a wrap around, covered outdoor deck. As always in Fogo a stiff wind blows up and over the rocks and whistles through the low bushes and flowers. The third, most difficult hiking trail starts from this area.

This island is a nature lover's paradise! For one week the view that we have had out the back window of our RV has been one of low rocks, marsh, bog and small ponds filled with lily pads. Many individuals have been picking bakeapple fruit in the last few days in this area. These small wild berries are made into jam. Rubber boots and patience are a necessity as these berries grow in bogs, are rather small and are found close to the ground.