Fort Sumner (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Sumner |
|
|---|---|
| Munjoy Hill, Portland, Maine | |
 Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner
Location in Maine
|
|
| Coordinates | 43°40′03″N 70°15′03″W / 43.66750°N 70.25083°W |
| Type | Coastal Defense |
| Site information | |
| Owner | public |
| Controlled by | City of Portland |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1794 |
| In use | 1794-1820s |
| Demolished | circa 1835? |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Fort Sumner was an old fort built in 1794. It was a coastal defense structure located on Munjoy Hill in Portland, Maine, United States. This fort was part of the first system of coastal defenses built by the United States. It was first called Fort Allen, named after a nearby Revolutionary War battery. Later, in 1797, it was renamed Fort Sumner. This new name honored Increase Sumner, who was the governor of Massachusetts at that time. Maine was part of Massachusetts back then. Today, the area where the fort once stood is called Fort Sumner Park, also known as Standpipe Park, found at 60 North Street.
Contents
History of Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner was an important defense point for Portland. It included a strong blockhouse, a safe place for gunpowder called a magazine, and barracks for soldiers. These buildings were on top of Munjoy Hill. There was also a "water battery," which was a group of cannons placed near the water. This water battery was likely an improved version of the old Revolutionary War Fort Allen.
Building and Changes Over Time
The water battery was rebuilt in 1798 and again in 1808. In 1811, a report from the Secretary of War mentioned a battery with five cannons. It also had four 18-pounder cannons on wheels. This likely refers to the water battery near Fort Allen Park.
Fort Sumner became less important after 1808. That's when two new forts, Fort Preble and Fort Scammel, were built. These were part of the government's second system of fortifications. During the War of 1812, the British captured Eastport and Castine in Maine. Because of this, Fort Allen was rebuilt in 1814. The city of Portland added a magazine and barracks to it. Fort Sumner was probably no longer used by the early 1820s.
Interesting People at Fort Sumner
From 1800 to 1801, Captain John Henry was the commander of Fort Sumner. He later became a spy for the British. His actions even helped start the War of 1812.
In 1802, Captain Amos Stoddard commanded the fort. He was from Portland and was part of the Regiment of Artillerists. He managed to keep soldiers at Fort Sumner. This happened even when he was ordered to move his company to Fort Constitution in New Hampshire.
America's First Gymnasium
In 1827, a writer named John Neal opened a gymnasium at Fort Sumner. He had started this gymnasium earlier that year in Market Square. He then moved it to Silver Street before settling at the fort. This gymnasium is known as the earliest one established in the United States.
Fort Sumner Park Today
Today, Fort Sumner Park is located at 60 North Street. It is also known as Standpipe Park. The park offers amazing views of the city of Portland. Its most famous feature is the Fort Sumner Steps. These steps go right over the top of Munjoy Hill.
You won't find any parts of the old fort left in Fort Sumner Park itself. However, you can still see some old earthworks. These are small hills or mounds that were part of the fort's defenses. They are located in the nearby Fort Allen Park.
