Fort Edgecomb

(North Edgecomb, Maine)

Fearing English hostilities as a result of the embargo, in 1808 Congress authorized Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War, to build fortifications to protect the Maine coast and its vital shipping interests. Fort Edgecomb was one of the four forts built on what was at the time the coast of Lincoln County.

Fort Edgecomb was built to protect Wiscasset, once the most important shipping center north of Boston. This octagonal 1808 blockhouse and restored fortifications overlook the Sheepscot River. The blockhouse is of hewn log construction. Sitting on the site's highest point, the blockhouse's watch tower, musket ports and rectangular openings on eight sides provided ample means to view and protect every water and land approach.

Fort Edgecomb was a place of long-remembered activity during the War of 1812. When war was declared on June 18, 1812, the colors were hoisted at Fort Edgecomb and guns were fired. No major action actually began until 1814, after the English broke Napoleon's power and diverted their war forces to this side of the Atlantic.

By late autumn 1814, the anxiety was over. In 1815, the United States and Great Britain declared peace. The garrison remained in barracks at Fort Edgecomb until August 1816, when orders came for their transfer. At the same time, Fort Edgecomb's cannons were ordered to be removed to Fort Independence in Boston Harbor. There were no more threats of war for Fort Edgecomb until the summer of 1864, when the presence of the confederate cruiser Tallahassee in northern waters caused fear. As a result, Fort Edgecomb was quickly garrisoned and equipped for defense, but never saw any action.

Visitor Information: The fort can be visited from Memorial Day through Labor Day.