Fort Frederick (Saint John, New Brunswick) facts for kids
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Fort Frederick was a British fort built in 1758 in what is now Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. It was an important military base during a big conflict called the French and Indian War. The British built it to control the St. John River and stop supplies from reaching their enemies. This fort was also known as Fort Menagoueche before it was rebuilt. Later, in 1777, another fort called Fort Howe took its place.
Building Fort Frederick
In 1758, a British officer named Robert Monckton led a group of soldiers to the St. John River. They arrived there about a week after leaving Halifax. Their mission was to build a new fort.
They rebuilt an older fort called Fort Menagoueche, which had been destroyed a few years earlier. Monckton renamed it Fort Frederick. This new fort was very important. It helped the British control the river and cut off supplies to villages along the St. John River.
Fort Frederick and the American Revolution
Fort Frederick played a role during the American Revolution, which was a war where the American colonies fought for independence from Britain. In 1775, American privateers attacked Fort Frederick. Privateers were like private ships given permission to attack enemy ships and towns. They raided and burned the fort.
After this attack, the British decided to build a new, stronger fort. In 1777, Gilfred Studholme led an expedition to the St. John River. They replaced Fort Frederick with a new fort called Fort Howe. This new fort was built across the St. John River, a bit further north.
Who Was in Charge?
Several officers were in charge of Fort Frederick during its time. They helped manage the fort and its soldiers.
- Major Roger Morris
- Lt Col Arbuthnot
- Lt Tong
- Ensign Jeremiah Mears
