Fort Knox

(Prospect, Maine)

Fort Knox is considered Maine's largest historic fort. Although it never saw combat, it was garrisoned during the Civil and Spanish American Wars. During the American Revolution and again during the War of 1812, British naval forces controlled the lower stretch of the Penobscot River.

It features stunning military architecture and master granite craftsmanship. Army engineers and work crews began building Fort Knox in July 1844. Lieutenant Isaac Stevens, who supervised the fort's early construction, tried first to complete the earthen batteries nearest the river. By fall of 1845, one battery was ready for cannons. Workers continued to excavate the entire fort site, removing stone and building roads. Finally, in 1851, river barges brought granite in and the rooms and the alleyways of the main fort began to take shape.

The design and construction was a model for Fort Popham, Fort Gorges, Fort Preble, and Fort Scammel, which are all Maine forts. One of Fort Knox's most impressive features was the 15-inch Rodman cannon. Rodman cannons needed about seven people to load and fire. A shell weighed about 315 pounds, had a charge of 50 pounds, and could fire as far as 4,680 yards, which is over 2 miles. The main fort building measures 252 by 146 feet. Its two levels contain mounts for 64 cannons. Four batteries, mounting a total of 69 cannons, cover four lines of defense outside the main building. Nearly a million dollars was spent to build Fort Knox. Congressional appropriations were sporadic and construction continued for 25 years. When work finally stopped in 1869, the fort was still not completely finished.

A few years ago, Fort Knox was on the brink of collapse due to structural deterioration from a leaking roof. Through the help of "Friends of Fort Knox," thousands rallied to help save the fort. The roof was repaired at lower cost than expected. This volunteer-driven partnership between state government and the "Friends of Fort Knox" became a model for other Maine parks and their host communities. Numerous children volunteered and raised money to save the fort.

In the works, the torpedo storage center is undergoing an exciting restoration and transformation into a visitor and education complex this summer. An outdoor amphitheater, gift shop and offices are planned for summer completion, with a museum opening in the spring. Funding for the work has been donated by foundations, private individuals, and the State of Maine. Long range goals include repairing the wood and masonry within the fort complex.

Visitor Information: Open May 1^st - October 30^th.