Forgotten Fortresses: America’s Coastal Defenses Revealed

Explore the coastal fortifications that have guarded America’s shores through centuries of conflicts and technological advancements. This 20-part journey highlights key sites, each with its own story of defense and vigilance.

1. Fort Sumter, South Carolina

The flashpoint of the Civil War, where the first shots were fired. A tour here offers insights into early artillery and masonry fort construction.

2. Fort McHenry, Maryland

Famous for withstanding the British bombardment in 1814 and inspiring the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Fort McHenry symbolizes early American resilience.

3. Castle Clinton, New York

Originally built to prevent a British invasion in 1812, this sandstone fort now stands as a gateway to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

4. Fort Monroe, Virginia

Known as the “Freedom’s Fortress,” this site played a crucial role during the Civil War and remained in military use through WWII.

5. Fort Adams, Rhode Island

One of the most complex coastal fortifications in the U.S., known for its innovative design and extensive tunnel systems.

6. Fort Point, California

Located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, this fort helped protect San Francisco Bay from Confederate and foreign attacks during the Civil War.

7. Fort Jefferson, Florida

Situated in the Dry Tortugas, this massive but unfinished fortress is one of the largest masonry structures in the Americas, serving as a prison during the Civil War.

8. Fort Hancock, New Jersey

A former U.S. Army fort at Sandy Hook that housed defenses protecting New York Harbor and hosted the first proving ground for the U.S. Army.

9. Fort Pulaski, Georgia

Captured early in the Civil War, this fort demonstrated the obsolescence of traditional fortifications against rifled artillery.

10. Fort Ticonderoga, New York

Once a key point in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, this fort was integral in early American defense strategies.

11. Fort Pickens, Florida

Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, it played a significant role during the Civil War and remained active through World War II.

12. Fort Clinch, Florida

Used during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War II, this fort showcases the evolution of military architecture and armaments.

13. Fort Worden, Washington

A part of the “Triangle of Fire,” Fort Worden’s batteries protected Puget Sound from naval invasion in the early 20th century.

14. Fort Knox, Maine

Not to be confused with the Kentucky gold depository, this fort was built for the War of 1812 but never saw combat.

15. Fort Casey, Washington

Another component of Puget Sound’s coastal defense system, known for its large disappearing guns still on display.

16. Fort Matanzas, Florida

Built by the Spanish in the 1740s to guard St. Augustine’s southern river approach, this fort is an example of a watchtower-like defense.

17. Fort Morgan, Alabama

Played a pivotal role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War and was used through both World Wars.

18. Fort McAndrew, Newfoundland and Labrador

This Canadian base protected American interests during World War II under the Lend-Lease program, highlighting international military cooperation.

19. Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania

Known as the “fort that saved America” for delaying British forces in 1777, this site has a rich history from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War.

20. Battery Gunnison, New Jersey

Restored to its 1943 appearance, this battery in Fort Hancock shows the final evolution of coastal artillery before the missile era.

Along the Coast

This tour through America’s coastal defenses offers a unique perspective on the country’s military history, from colonial times to modern defenses, illustrating the technological advances and strategic shifts over centuries.

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

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18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

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22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Erica Finstad.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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