Fort Sullivan (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Sullivan
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Moose Island; barracks, 74 Washington St., Eastport, Maine |
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| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1808 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000081 |
| Added to NRHP | January 26, 1970 |
Fort Sullivan was an important military fort in Eastport, Maine, during the 1800s. It was built to protect the eastern coast of the United States. The fort was right across from New Brunswick, Canada. During the War of 1812, British forces took over the fort in 1814. They briefly renamed it Fort Sherbrooke.
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Building Fort Sullivan: A Coastal Defense
In 1808, the United States Army decided to build a fort in Eastport. At that time, Eastport was part of Massachusetts, before Maine became its own state. The fort was needed to protect against possible attacks from Britain. Many European countries were fighting in the Napoleonic Wars then.
Major Lemuel Trescott led the building of the fort. It was built on top of Clark's Hill in the village. The fort had a round earth wall with four guns. It also had a wooden blockhouse and buildings for soldiers. The fort was officially named Fort Sullivan around March 1813.
British Takeover During the War of 1812
During the War of 1812, British forces wanted to control more land. On July 11, 1814, a British fleet led by Commodore Sir Thomas Hardy, 1st Baronet attacked Fort Sullivan. The American soldiers at the fort had to surrender.
The British Navy took control of the entire coast east of Penobscot Bay. They called this area "New Ireland." Even after the war ended, Britain claimed that Moose Island, Maine, where Fort Sullivan was located, belonged to them. They believed it was on the British side of the border with New Brunswick.
So, the British left 800 troops at the fort. They renamed it Fort Sherbrooke after John Coape Sherbrooke, who was the Governor of Nova Scotia. The British asked the people of Eastport to promise loyalty to the British crown. Some people did, others avoided it, and many moved to areas clearly controlled by the United States.
Through talks with the British in 1817, the Americans gave up claims to some larger islands further east. In return, they got control of Eastport back on June 30, 1818.
Fort Sullivan as a Coastal Post
After the British left, Fort Sullivan continued to be an active military post. In 1822, the fort's doctor started recording weather observations.
A famous future general, Napoleon J.T. Dana, was born at Fort Sullivan in 1822. His father, Nathaniel Dana, was an officer stationed there.
Another important figure, George S. Greene, commanded Fort Sullivan from 1831 to 1835. He later became a major general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his brave defense at the Battle of Gettysburg. Sadly, during his time at Fort Sullivan, Greene's wife and three children died from tuberculosis.
The fort had a small group of soldiers until the late 1830s. At that time, there were arguments over the border with New Brunswick in northern Maine. This led to the Aroostook War, a bloodless conflict. The border dispute was finally settled in 1842 by the Webster–Ashburton Treaty.
During the American Civil War, new earthwork defenses were built in the area around the fort. A group of soldiers called the Maine Coast Guard was stationed at Fort Sullivan from 1864 to 1865.
Fort Sullivan Closes Down
In 1873, the Army stopped using Fort Sullivan. In 1877, the government sold the land where the fort stood. The new owners moved one of the old barracks buildings to its current spot at 74 Washington Street. Over time, other parts of the fort fell apart.
Today, the ruins of an old powder magazine can still be seen off McKinley Street. This is the only part of the original fort that remains in its place.
Barracks Museum: A Glimpse into History
The Border Historical Society now owns one of the old officers' quarters. This building is called the Barracks Museum. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Maine.
The museum teaches visitors about the history of Fort Sullivan. It also shows what life was like in the area, including the history of the sardine and ground fishing industries. You can also learn about local history and genealogy (family history). The museum is open in July and August.
