Many people don’t realize this, but Maine has a rich military history. When people think of our rugged coastline, they think of our many lighthouses. Most don’t picture the many forts built over the centuries to protect that coastline. We have forts that were built in colonial times to protect settlers from Indian raids. We have forts built along harbors, river mouths, and the Canadian border that served to protect our interests in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. We have forts made of wood and others made of stone. Over the years, I have taken numerous day trips to explore this beautiful state I call home. On many of those trips, I was able to visit some of these historic sites. Let me share a few of them with you.

      The town of Phippsburg has three forts within short distance of each other. The first time I visited Fort St George, it was a field trip in college to study the archaeological dig occurring there. It was a star-shaped fort of earthen ramparts and trenches to protect what is now referred to as the Popham Colony. This fort and colony were established in 1607, only a few months after Jamestown and from the same charter, making it the 2^nd English settlement in the New World. It was occupied for only a year, however, and thus tends to be forgotten. Today, with the archaeologists gone and the holes filled in, all that remains is a memorial marking the spot where the fort and colony once stood. Memorial marking the spot of Fort St George and the Popham Colony.

Memorial marking the spot of Fort St George and the Popham Colony. Fort Baldwin State Park, Maine

      Just across the small inlet on a spit of land jutting out into the Kennebec River is Fort Popham. This stone fort was first built in 1861 but was never fully completed. The stones used in the construction were quarried from a couple of nearby islands. Troops were garrisoned here during the Civil War, shortly after the Spanish-American War, and during World War I. The structure is still standing today for visitors to explore. Sunlight and shadows in the corridors of Fort Popham.

Sunlight and shadows in the corridors of Fort Popham. Fort Popham State Park, Maine

      The final fort in the area is just above these on Sabino Hill. Fort Baldwin was built just prior to World War I as a series of batteries, long-range gun emplacements. It was garrisoned and in use for both World Wars, though the Army had to borrow it from the state of Maine for the second war. It had been decommissioned and turned over to the state after the first war. Today, you can still walk into the concrete bunkers built into the hillside for a little exploration. Approaching one of the bunkers of Fort Baldwin.

Approaching one of the bunkers of Fort Baldwin. Fort Baldwin State Park, Maine

      While nearly everyone has heard of Fort Knox in its capacity as the home of the US’s official gold reserves, most don’t realize there is actually a second fort with that name. Our Fort Knox, the largest in the state, is on the Penobscot River in Prospect. It was constructed from 1844-1869 and was the first of the stone forts built in Maine. It was garrisoned during the Civil War and Spanish-American War. While $1,000,000 was spent in its construction, it was never fully completed. It is, however, the best preserved military structure from the Civil War era in Maine and all of New England, and should definitely be on the must-see list of forts in Maine. View of Fort Knox from across the Penobscot River in Bucksport.

View of Fort Knox from a neighboring town across the Penobscot River. Bucksport, Maine

      My favorite Maine fort would have to be Fort Edgecomb. This fort is a wooden blockhouse of octagonal shape, rather than the square we usually envision. I love that, its unique shape and the old wood, the whole look and feel of the place. It was built from 1808-1809 on a peninsula called Davis Island along the Sheepscot River. Its purpose was to protect the town of Wiscasset, just across the water, one of the largest shipbuilding areas at the time. Fort Edgecomb was in use for both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. When I think of that, I find it amazing that the original wooden blockhouse is still standing today in magnificent condition, having just celebrated its bicentennial. Sunrise at Fort Edgecomb.

Sunrise at Fort Edgecomb. Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site, Maine

      These forts and many others here in the state are well worth the visit, both for the historical and educational value but also for the photographic opportunities. It’s exciting to be able to experience first-hand these pieces of the past and create images to share them with the world. So, next time you’re in the area, take some time to visit one of these landmarks and keep their stories going.

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Click here to see more photos of forts in Maine.