Fort Trumbull

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Fort Trumbull (1777-1910) - First built as a First System coastal fort established in 1777 at New London, New London County, Connecticut. Named after then Govenor Jonathan Trumbull. Turned over to the Treasury Department in 1910.

Fort Trumbull by Seth Eastman

Revolutionary War

The First System fort was built between 1775 and 1777 as an earth and stone fortification completely exposed from the land side. Benedict Arnold and a British fleet easily captured Fort Trumbull in September 1781 during the Revolutionary War.

War of 1812

In 1812 the old First System fort was leveled and replaced with a much stronger Second System fortification with land side protection. This new fort was able to keep the British Fleet offshore for the remainder of the War of 1812. This fort deteriorate after the war and was torn down in 1839 to make way for a new Third System fort. The new Third System fortification was built between 1839 and 1852 as a five-sided, four-bastion coastal defense fort. The fort was built under the supervision of Army engineer George W. Cullum who later served as superintendent of the United States Military Academy.

U.S. Civil War

During the U.S. Civil War Fort Trumbull served as a recruiting and training depot and as headquarters for the 14th U.S. Infantry.

Endicott Period

Fort Trumbull was designated as a subpost of Fort H.G. Wright on 31 Mar 1906 and later served as the headquarters of the Long Island Sound Endicott Period coastal defenses until it was turned over to the Treasury Department on 15 Oct 1910. The Treasury Department used the post first as an academy for their Revenue Cutter Service and then as the Coast Guard Academy (1915-1932).

World War II

Fort Trumbull became the Merchant Marine Officers Training School (1939–1946).

After the war Fort Trumbull became the site of the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory (1950 to 1990). The post has been operated as a state park since 2000.

Current Status

Part of Fort Trumbull State Park, New London, New London County, Connecticut.

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Location: Fort Trumbull State Park, New London, New London County, Connecticut.

Maps & Images

Lat: 41.3437094 Long: -72.0931317

Sources:

  • 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 124-125

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Fort Trumbull Picture Gallery

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