Portsmouth Harbor Defense Fortifications
Since the arrival of the earliest settlers in the Portsmouth Harbor region has come the need to fortify Portsmouth Harbor from enemies. From protection from the French and Indians by the British at Battery Cumberland at what is now known as Fort Stark to protection from the British during the Revolutionary War at Fort Washington, Fort Sullivan and Fort Hancock. From World War I to World War II, the technology of war changed greatly, and as a result Portsmouth Harbor Defense had to change drastically as well. Endicott Forts designed to defend against Naval fleets at the turn of the century had little chance against the Naval Fleets of WWII let alone advances in aircraft. Now we are left with the remains of these ever changing forts, which give us a look into our own history.
At the current time this site looks at the forts that were used during the Endicott Period through World War II. A full history of each fort is presented since in some cases the fort was used prior to the Endicott Period and previous structures affected layout and use of the forts.
- Fort Constitution
- The oldest fort on this site, it's history spans from the 1600s all the way through today.
- Fort Stark
- The second oldest fort on the site, it goes back to the 1700s and is used through World War II.
- Fort Foster
- One of the more recent forts, it spans from the Endicott Period through World War II. Also includes Sewards Point and the nearby Sisters Point Base-End Station
- Camp Langdon
- A training and living camp for troops stationed in the neighboring fortifications.
- Fort Dearborn
- Although used in the 1600s and World War I, Fort Dearborn didn't become a military installation until World War II. Also includes the nearby Pulpit Rock Camp.
- Auxillary Sites
- For all the sites too small for their own page. Where you'll find the base-end towers, radar stations and USCG watchtowers of the Portsmouth Harbor Defenses.
- About Us
- Leave comments/feedback, see the list of sources for the site and identifications of stylized images.
Sea side of Battery Chapin
at Fort Foster
WWI 1918 3" 23 caliber Poole MK 14 Mod 2
breach-loading Naval AA Gun with a 69" barrel
on a MK 14 pedestal mount
