Fort William and Mary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Constitution
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | New Castle, New Hampshire |
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| Built | Early 17th century |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000169 |
| Added to NRHP | July 09, 1973 |
Fort Constitution is a historic fort in New Hampshire. It sits on New Castle island, guarding the mouth of the Piscataqua River. This fort was once called "The Castle." Later, it became Fort William and Mary around 1692. It was named after King William III and Queen Mary II of Britain.
During the American Revolutionary War, American Patriots captured it. The British later abandoned it. After the war, it was rebuilt and renamed Fort Constitution in 1808. The fort was used until after World War II. Today, it's a state park you can visit.
Contents
A Fort's Early Days
The British first built defenses here before 1632. The fort protected the harbor at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It also stored weapons and ammunition for the colony. The fort helped protect Kittery, Maine, across the river. Native American tribes often raided Kittery during the French and Indian Wars.
The American Revolution
In 1774, this fort was New Hampshire's only military post. It had soldiers stationed there all the time.
Patriots Take Action
On December 14, 1774, local Patriots from Portsmouth attacked the fort. Patriots were colonists who supported independence from Britain. They were led by John Langdon. Only six British soldiers were guarding the fort. The Patriots quickly took over. They seized the fort's gunpowder. This powder was sent to different towns in New Hampshire. It was for use in the coming fight against Britain.
The next day, December 15, 1774, Patriots attacked again. This time, John Sullivan led them. They took many cannons from the fort. These events were important steps toward the American Revolution.
Fort Constitution's New Life
After the Revolution, people called the fort "Castle Fort." In 1791, the state gave the land to the U.S. government. In 1800, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was built nearby. The fort was then rebuilt and improved. Its walls were made taller, and new brick buildings were added. This work finished in 1808. The fort was then officially renamed "Fort Constitution."
On July 4, 1809, a sad accident happened. An explosion at the fort killed soldiers and civilians. This happened during Independence Day celebrations.
Fort Improvements and Changes
During the War of 1812, more soldiers were stationed at the fort. It was also expanded. A tower called Walbach Tower was built in 1814. It was a Martello tower, a round defensive building. It had one large cannon.
During the American Civil War, there were plans to rebuild Fort Constitution. It was going to be a large fort made of granite. But new weapons changed warfare. Armored ships with powerful guns made old stone forts less useful. So, the fort's construction stopped in 1867. Some new walls were built, but the older fort remained.
In 1897, work began on Battery Farnsworth. This was part of a big plan to improve coastal defenses. Battery Farnsworth had two large 8-inch guns. These guns were on "disappearing carriages." This meant they could pop up to fire and then drop down for protection. This battery was finished in 1899.
Later, Battery Hackleman was added in 1904. It had two smaller 3-inch guns. These guns helped protect an underwater minefield in the harbor. They would stop enemy ships from clearing the mines.
World War Eras
When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, many guns were removed from forts. They were sent to Europe to be used as railway artillery. Both 8-inch guns from Battery Farnsworth were taken away. They were never returned to the fort.
In World War II, the 3-inch guns at Battery Hackleman were replaced. The fort was guarded by soldiers from the 22nd Coast Artillery Regiment. After the war, the fort was given to the Coast Guard. Battery Hackleman was taken down, but Battery Farnsworth can still be seen.
In 1961, the fort was given back to New Hampshire. Fort Constitution State Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it is open for everyone to visit and explore.
The Lighthouse
Since 1771, a lighthouse has stood at the fort. The current lighthouse, called the Portsmouth Harbor Light, was finished in 1878. It has a special lens called a Fresnel lens. This lens helps ships find their way. You can sometimes take tours of the lighthouse tower and the area around it.
