Fort Popham
Fort Popham (1862-1924) - A Third System Fort authorized in 1857, construction started in 1862 but never completed. Located in Sagadahoc County, Maine. Named after George Popham, founder of the 1607 Popham Colony. Sold to the State of Maine in 1924.
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Fort Popham History
Constructed to protect the mouth of the Kennebec River and the approaches to Augusta and the Bath Iron Works.
Built to mount 42 heavy guns in a three tier half moon shaped granite fort. Only two tiers of casemates were completely finished. A Thirty foot curved granite wall faced the river side of the fort with a straight wall facing the land side. Internally the fort housed two barracks, a subterranean cistern and four magazines located in demibastions.
The fort was garrisoned during the U.S. Civil War and after until 1869 when construction was halted. It was regarrisoned briefly during the Spanish American War and for the last time during World War I.
Sold to the State of Maine for $6,600 in 1924.
Current Status
Part of Fort Popham State Historic Site. Operates Memorial Day - September 30
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Location: 15 miles from Bath, Maine on Route 209, Sagadahoc County, Maine. Maps & Images Lat: 43.755062 Long: -69.783711 |
Sources:
- Weaver, John R. II, A Legacy in Brick and Stone: America Coastal Defense Forts of the Third System, Redoubt Press, McLean, 2001, First Printing, ISBN 1-57510-069-X, page 73-74
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 370
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Fort Popham Picture Gallery
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