The blockhouse in Fort Halifax was built in 1754 and was the oldest blockhouse in the United States, until it was destroyed during the flood of 1987. Fort Halifax was originally many blockhouses with fencing connecting them all together making a center square in the middle. Before the French and Indian War was over, Fort Halifax was very large. A reconstructed blockhouse, which incorporates many timbers from the 1754 blockhouse, stands on the fort's original site at the confluence of the Kennebec and Sebasticook Rivers in Winslow, Maine.

Fort Halifax was built as the strategic location to protect English colonial settlements along the Kennebec and was garrisoned from 1754-1766. It was a lot of trouble bringing supplies to the fort, because the river had places in it that a large boat could not travel through. Because of this the people had to get out of the boat and push and pull it. They decided to construct another fort, in what is now known as Augusta, on the river, just before the part of the river that was hard to travel on. They named it Fort Western. They stored the supplies from Fort Halifax in Fort Western. They would bring supplies in smaller boats, down the river.

After its military use, Fort Halifax was used as a town meeting hall, church, dwelling, store, and a tavern, until most of it was rotted or was destroyed. It was called the South Flanker, which eventually fell but never saw battle. It was hit by many floods over time and survived most of them. Unfortunately, it could not withstand the Flood of 1987. The fort's lumber was later found washed up on shore. Workers reconstructed the blockhouse shortly after. They tried to make it exactly the same way it had been before it collapsed. Now the historical blockhouse is on the Winslow seal. It is the sight of Winslow's annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks.

The area abounds with natural wonders and beauty. The area, known as the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region, has peaceful lakes, churning rivers, wonderful moose sightings, and much more. Several winter and summer sports are seen taking place on the region's lakes and at state parks.

Climate - Winter outdoor enthusiasts will find daytime temperatures in the northern area averaging 10 - 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The southern area is a little higher with 14 - 18 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer brings cool, bright days with temperatures averaging between 65 - 80 degrees.

Visitor Information: A reconstructed war blockhouse can be viewed each year from Memorial Day through labor Day. Viewing the confluence of the Kennebec and Sebasticook Rivers is beautiful.