Acushnet Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acushnet Fort |
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| Eldridge Point, New Bedford, Massachusetts | |
 Acushnet Fort
Location in Massachusetts
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| Coordinates | 41°35′36″N 70°54′07″W / 41.59333°N 70.90194°W |
| Type | Coastal Defense |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1776, rebuilt 1808 |
| In use | 1776-circa 1820 |
| Demolished | circa 1820? |
| Battles/wars | American Revolution War of 1812 |
Acushnet Fort was an important fort that stood on Eldridge Point in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It was active from 1776 until about 1820. This fort helped protect the coast during two big conflicts: the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
What Was Acushnet Fort?
Acushnet Fort was built to defend the coastline of Massachusetts. It was first constructed in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War. At that time, it had ten cannons to protect the area.
Later, in 1808, the fort was rebuilt. This time, it was part of a national plan to strengthen coastal defenses. The rebuilt fort was made of stone, brick, and sod. It was designed to hold 40 soldiers and had six heavy cannons. It also had a special room called a magazine to store gunpowder.
Where Was the Fort Located?
The exact spot of Acushnet Fort, especially during the Revolution, is not completely clear. However, official reports from the United States Secretary of War in 1808 and 1811 give us some clues.
In 1808, a report said the fort was "two miles below the town" of New Bedford. It was described as a small, enclosed work that protected the harbor entrance. This description makes some people think it was near Clark's Point. This area later became the site of Fort Rodman, a much larger fort built in the 1850s.
Another idea is that the fort was located in an area of Fairhaven called Poverty Point or Oxford Point. Fairhaven was actually part of New Bedford until 1812. Part of this land was once owned by the Eldredge family, which matches the "Eldridge Point" name.
Who Commanded the Fort?
We know some of the officers who were in charge of Acushnet Fort. From 1810 to 1811, Captain James Thomas commanded the fort. He was part of the Dragoons, a type of soldier who could fight on horseback or on foot.
After Captain Thomas, First Lieutenant Henry Whiting took command. He was also from the Dragoons and led the fort from 1811 to 1812.
The Fort's End
Acushnet Fort was no longer in use by the time Fort Rodman was built in the 1850s. It seems the fort was taken down or fell apart around 1820.
