Fort Standish (Plymouth, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Standish |
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| Saquish Head, Plymouth, Massachusetts | |
 Fort Standish
Fort Standish
Location in Massachusetts
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| Coordinates | 41°59′43.13″N 70°37′53.85″W / 41.9953139°N 70.6316250°W |
| Type | Coastal defense |
| Site information | |
| Owner | private |
| Open to the public |
no |
| Condition | earthworks remain |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1863 |
| In use | 1863–1870 |
| Materials | earthworks |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Fort Standish was a special army fort built a long time ago in 1863. It was located on a place called Saquish Head in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This fort was built during the American Civil War to help protect the coast. It was named after a famous military leader from the early days of Plymouth, Myles Standish.
What Was Fort Standish?
Fort Standish was a military fort built in 1863. It was located on a piece of land called Saquish Head in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This fort was very important during the American Civil War. The Civil War was a big conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the northern states (the Union) and the southern states (the Confederacy).
Why Was It Built?
The main reason Fort Standish was built was to protect the coast. It helped keep the area safe from any attacks by sea during the Civil War. It also worked together with another nearby fort called Fort Andrew. Fort Andrew was located on Gurnet Point.
The fort was designed and built by Major Charles E. Blunt. He was part of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This group is responsible for building many important structures for the army.
What Was Inside the Fort?
Fort Standish was built using earthworks. These are walls made of earth and dirt. The fort had five places for cannons. These cannons were large, 8-inch smoothbore guns.
Besides the cannons, the fort also had:
- A bombproof shelter: This was a safe place where soldiers could hide during attacks.
- Two magazines: These were special rooms used to store ammunition for the cannons.
- A well: This provided fresh water for the soldiers.
Outside the main fort, there were other buildings. These included a barracks where soldiers slept. There were also officers' quarters for the leaders. A mess hall was available for soldiers to eat their meals.
From January to June in 1865, a group of soldiers stayed at the fort. They were called the 27th Unattached Company of Massachusetts militia.
After the War
After the American Civil War ended, Fort Standish was no longer needed for active duty. It was put into a "caretaker status." This means a small group of people looked after the fort. They made sure it stayed in good condition.
In 1870, the land where the fort stood was bought by the federal government. It was then declared "inactive." This meant it was not being used for military purposes anymore.
Even though it was inactive, the fort might have been used again. Some reports say it was used during the Spanish–American War and World War I. These were other wars that happened later.
Finally, in 1925, the land was sold to a private owner. Today, only the earthworks remain from the original fort.
