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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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One of the most complex coastal fortifications in the U.S., known for its innovative design and extensive tunnel systems.
6. Fort Point, California
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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
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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
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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
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Captured early in the Civil War, this fort demonstrated the obsolescence of traditional fortifications against rifled artillery.
10. Fort Ticonderoga, New York
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Another component of Puget Sound’s coastal defense system, known for its large disappearing guns still on display.
16. Fort Matanzas, Florida
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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
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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
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This Canadian base protected American interests during World War II under the Lend-Lease program, highlighting international military cooperation.
19. Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania
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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
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Restored to its 1943 appearance, this battery in Fort Hancock shows the final evolution of coastal artillery before the missile era.
Along the Coast
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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.
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The post Unveiling the Hidden Legacies of America’s Coastal Fortresses republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krumpelman Photography.
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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