Fort Knox

 We went back to the Penobscot River Valley today to visit Fort Knox.

It’s two levels contain mounts for 135 cannons in what is the first and largest granite fort built in Maine.

The American Revolution and the War of 1812 brought enemy British ships to the Penobscot River.

 During both wars, Great Britain seized control of the river and claimed the surrounding land.

As a result, Fort Knox was built to protect the narrow channel through which all enemy ships traveling upriver would have to pass. 

The fort saw two periods of military activity.   From 20-54 troops were garrisoned here during the Civil War.

   About 575 troops from Connecticut lived at the fort for one month during the Spanish-American War.

No enemy ships ever appeared on the Penobscot during these wars.

 Above is a photo from 1870 showing the same area pictured below.

This 15 inch diameter Rodman cannon was extremely powerful.  Twelve men were required to load it.  60-100 pounds of gunpowder was used to fire a cannonball up to 5,579 yards.

 This is a hot shot furnace, used to heat cannonballs so hot that when they hit enemy wooden ships , the ships were set on fire.

  

We found a nice, quiet campsite on a little bay.   And guess what’s coming for dinner?

                                                The adventure is over for these two.
  

No lobster too big, no plate too small.  The end of another great day in Maine!