Fort McClary

(Kittery Point, Maine)

Fort McClary was originally named Fort William (1715). This site was initially defended by Mainers against tax duties imposed by the state of New Hampshire. Fort McClary was named after a New Hampshire native – Major Andrew McClary. He died during the Revoltionary War at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Fort McClary saw action in five wars, from the American Revolution to World War I. The site has been used for nearly 275 years to protect the approaches to the Piscataqua River. The fort is one of the state’s most important historic forts and preserves evidence of military history and changes in military architecture and technology.

The blockhouse structure was built during 1844 – 1846. The blockhouse represents a unique combination of construction materials. Its foundation is built of mortared fieldstone. The first story walls are of cut granite, and the second story is built of squared logs. This structure was the last blockhouse constructed in Maine.

The rifleman’s house was probably built at the same time the blockhouse was built. This building and another one that is no longer standing were designated for flank defense by infantry.

The granite walls surrounding Fort McClary were built from 1864-1868. They were part of a plan to modify the fort into a large enclosed structure, which would have two tiers of cannons. The original plan was that Fort McClary would be similar to Maine’s Fort Knox and Fort Popham. As the Civil War ended, work on the fort was suspended and the structure eventually became obsolete.

Soldiers stored gunpowder in the magazine. It was built in 1808 and is the oldest structure on the site. When the magazine was built, Fort McClary also included barracks, an officers quarters, an upper and lower battery, and ten cannons. The magazine’s walls and roof were later strengthened to withstand attack from advanced weaponry.

Tourist Information: Open Memorial Day through September 30^th.