- Joined
- Jun 21, 2012
- Location
- Louisville, KY
Fort Phoenix is a stone and earthwork fortification located in the town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The fort was built in order to protect New Bedford Bay which was home to the town of Bedford, Massachusetts, an important whaling and fishing center for the region. The fort was orginally begun in 1775 and completed in 1777 by American forces during the Revolutionary War. When first completed the fort was not officially named.
The fort first saw action in 1778 when it was captured by British forces. American troops, vastly outnumbered, were forced to destroy the forts stores, spike its 11 guns, and abandon it completely to avoid capture. However, a counterattack by American forces was able to force a British from the area and the fort was quickly recaptured. The fortification was named Fort Fearing in honor of the officer in charge of the counterattack. The fort would remain in American hands throughout the rest of the war.
In 1784 the fort was renamed to its current name, Fort Phoenix (the mythical creature). The site was improved by then-2nd Lt. Sylvanus Thayer during the War of 1812 and it was under his command that the fort would drive off another British assault in June of 1814. In the years following the War of 1812 the fort was abandoned.
With the outbreak of the American Civil War and the fear of raids along the Massachusetts coast the fort was reactivated and manned by state troops for the duration of the war. During the war the fort mounted 8 24 lb guns, 5 of which remain on site today (minus their original carriages) During the war there were also new barracks and a large magazine constructed to the rear of the fortification. The fort never fired a shot in anger during the war and the fort was abandoned for the final time by the United States military in 1876.
In the mid 1920s the fort was purchased for the town and in 1972 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it is a state park that is maintained by the town of Fairhaven. It is open daily to visitors who can tour what remains of the old fort that overlooks the bay. While at the fort you can view the 5 ACW-era guns along with older pieces of artillery. There are also numerous plaques and information signs as well. From all indications this site is very well cared for and has a great view.
http://www.fortwiki.com/Fort_Phoenix
Also be sure to check out all other "forgotten forts" in the Forgotten Forts Series Index (Link Below)
http://www.civilwartalk.com/threads/forgotten-forts-series-index.80901/
The fort first saw action in 1778 when it was captured by British forces. American troops, vastly outnumbered, were forced to destroy the forts stores, spike its 11 guns, and abandon it completely to avoid capture. However, a counterattack by American forces was able to force a British from the area and the fort was quickly recaptured. The fortification was named Fort Fearing in honor of the officer in charge of the counterattack. The fort would remain in American hands throughout the rest of the war.
In 1784 the fort was renamed to its current name, Fort Phoenix (the mythical creature). The site was improved by then-2nd Lt. Sylvanus Thayer during the War of 1812 and it was under his command that the fort would drive off another British assault in June of 1814. In the years following the War of 1812 the fort was abandoned.
With the outbreak of the American Civil War and the fear of raids along the Massachusetts coast the fort was reactivated and manned by state troops for the duration of the war. During the war the fort mounted 8 24 lb guns, 5 of which remain on site today (minus their original carriages) During the war there were also new barracks and a large magazine constructed to the rear of the fortification. The fort never fired a shot in anger during the war and the fort was abandoned for the final time by the United States military in 1876.
In the mid 1920s the fort was purchased for the town and in 1972 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it is a state park that is maintained by the town of Fairhaven. It is open daily to visitors who can tour what remains of the old fort that overlooks the bay. While at the fort you can view the 5 ACW-era guns along with older pieces of artillery. There are also numerous plaques and information signs as well. From all indications this site is very well cared for and has a great view.
http://www.fortwiki.com/Fort_Phoenix
Also be sure to check out all other "forgotten forts" in the Forgotten Forts Series Index (Link Below)
http://www.civilwartalk.com/threads/forgotten-forts-series-index.80901/