Fort O'Brien facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort O'Brien
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View of fort remains: Revolutionary War on the left, Civil War on the right
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Machiasport, Maine |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1775 |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000024 |
| Added to NRHP | October 01, 1969 |
Fort O'Brien State Historic Site, also known as Fort Machias, is a special place in Machiasport, Maine. It protects the old remains of a fort that was built and then destroyed three times! This happened over 90 years. The fort was part of important battles during the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Today, it is managed by the Maine Department of Conservation. You can visit it between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
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Fort O'Brien: A Historic Site
Fort O'Brien is on the western side of the Machias River. This is a bit north of where the river meets Machias Bay. The site is about 2-acre (0.81 ha) big. It has a small parking area and a grassy spot near the river. This is where the old forts used to stand. You can still see some earthworks and a flagpole from the Civil War defenses. The older Revolutionary War earthworks are a bit hidden by bushes.
Built for Battle: The Revolutionary War
When the American Revolutionary War began in April 1775, the British needed supplies. They were especially interested in lumber from the Machias area. An expedition came to get these materials. This led to a naval battle called the Battle of Machias on June 11–12, 1775. In this fight, American colonists captured a small British ship. They were led by Jeremiah O'Brien, and the fort is named after him.
After this victory, several forts were built along the Machias River. One of these was a four-gun battery at this spot. But the British came back in 1777 with more soldiers. They destroyed this first fort. This started a second battle in the area.
Another Conflict: The War of 1812
The British returned to Machias again during the War of 1812. In 1814, they destroyed the fort once more. They also burned its barracks, which were buildings where soldiers lived.
A Final Stand: The Civil War
A new five-gun battery was built at the site in 1863. This was during the American Civil War. However, this version of the fort never saw any fighting. Even though its military equipment was taken away, a Civil War-era cannon is still there today. It's a 12-pound "Napoleon" cannon.
Fort O'Brien Today
The United States government gave the fort to the state of Maine in 1923. Now, it is a state historic site. It helps us remember the important role Machias played in early American history. You can visit to learn about the past and see the remains of these old forts.
