Fort Glover facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Glover |
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| Marblehead, Massachusetts | |
 Fort Glover
Fort Glover
Location in Massachusetts
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| Coordinates | 42°29′40.92″N 70°51′22.69″W / 42.4947000°N 70.8563028°W |
| Type | Coastal Defense |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1775 |
| In use | 1775–1898 |
| Materials | earthwork |
| Demolished | 1917 |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
Fort Glover was an important fort located in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It was built to protect the coast. This fort was used during several major American wars. These included the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the Spanish–American War.
The fort was built on what is now Riverhead Beach. Its job was to guard the beach and the nearby causeway. The causeway connected Marblehead to Marblehead Neck. Fort Glover was taken down in 1917.
Contents
What Was Fort Glover?
Fort Glover was a military fort. It was built to defend the coast from attacks. The fort was made of earthwork, which means it was built using earth and dirt. It was used for over 100 years.
Early Days: The Revolutionary War
The first version of the fort was built in 1775. This was during the American Revolutionary War. It was first known as the Huit's Head Battery. This battery helped protect the area during the fight for American independence.
Rebuilding for the War of 1812
The fort was rebuilt for the War of 1812. This time, it was called the Gilbert Heights Fort. Soldiers were stationed there from 1813 to 1815. They kept watch over the coast during this conflict.
The Civil War Era
In 1863, the fort was rebuilt again for the Civil War. It became an earthwork battery with three guns. The fort was named in honor of John Glover. He was a famous general from Marblehead during the Revolutionary War.
General John Glover's Legacy
General John Glover led the Marblehead Regiment. He even provided his own ship, the Hannah. This ship became the very first warship used by the United States. It was hired by the Continental Army before the official U.S. Navy was created.
Fort Glover's Civil War Weapons
By September 1864, the fort had specific weapons. It was armed with one 32-pounder rifled gun. It also had two 8-inch smoothbore guns. These cannons were powerful for their time.
The Spanish-American War and Beyond
Fort Glover was rebuilt one last time in 1898. This was for the Spanish–American War. After this war ended, the fort was no longer needed. It was then abandoned.
The "Cow Fort" Nickname
After 1898, the fort got a funny nickname: "Cow Fort." This was because cattle would often live inside its old walls. A part of the fort's land, called "Cow Fort Farm," became part of Seaside Park in 1895. The fort itself was finally taken down in 1917.
