Fort Phoenix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Phoenix
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fairhaven, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1775 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000120 |
| Added to NRHP | 9 November 1972 |
Fort Phoenix is an old fort in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. It sits at the entrance to the Fairhaven-New Bedford harbor. This fort was first built in 1775. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Right near the fort, in Buzzards Bay, the very first naval battle of the American Revolutionary War happened on May 14, 1775. This was called the Battle off Fairhaven.
Contents
Fort Phoenix: A Historic Massachusetts Landmark
Early Days and Renaming
The fort was destroyed by the British Army on September 5-6, 1778. This happened when the British raided the harbor. A group of American soldiers, led by Major Israel Fearing, fought off the British. They defended the fort and also stopped an attack on the town the next day. Because of Major Fearing's bravery, the fort was then renamed Fort Fearing.
In 1784, the fort got its current name, "Fort Phoenix." This name comes from the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes. It was a symbol of the fort being rebuilt after being destroyed.
Rebuilding and Upgrades
The fort was rebuilt in 1798. It was rebuilt again in 1808. This time, it had 12 cannons. These upgrades were paid for by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They were part of the efforts to protect the coast.
The War of 1812
During the War of 1812, a British ship named HMS Nimrod attacked the fort. This happened on June 13, 1814. The ship fired at the fort because the local militia would not give up some cannons. After a fight, the Nimrod sailed away. Some stories say the British tried to land troops, but they were stopped. Other stories say they did not.
Cannons of Fort Phoenix
Today, Fort Phoenix has five iron cannons. They are mounted on wooden stands that look like the originals. These cannons are called Model 1819 24-pounders. They were made at the West Point Foundry in New York in 1828. They were placed at the fort before the American Civil War. Three other similar cannons were moved from the fort later.
There is also a smaller cannon at the fort. This cannon was captured by the Continental Marines in 1776. It was taken during a raid on Nassau in the Bahamas. This raid was the first time U.S. Marines landed on foreign soil. This small gun has been in Fairhaven since about 1777. It was one of the cannons originally installed when the fort was first built.
Recently, two more cannons were added to the fort. They are mounted on field artillery carriages. These cannons were given to Fairhaven by the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The barrels of these guns might be from the War of 1812. However, they were not originally at Fort Phoenix.
Fort Phoenix in Later Wars
The fort was rebuilt again during the American Civil War. It got a new powder magazine and eight cannons.
During World War II, a special battery of four 37 mm guns was placed at the fort. These guns were used to protect against enemy torpedo boats.
Fort Phoenix Today
Today, Fort Phoenix is a popular historical site. Local groups, like the Fairhaven Village Militia, hold historical reenactments there. These events happen in the spring and fall. They help people learn about the fort's past.
