Fort Independence (1)

Fort Independence (1) (1801-1960) - Fort Independence began as a Second System fort built on the rubble of previous forts in 1801. Located on Castle Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Initially abandoned 25 Nov 1879 it was regarrisoned briefly during the Spanish American War and saw service in World War I and World War II. Finally declared surplus in 1960.

Fort Independence circa 1852 at Completion

Second System (1808-1816)

Established on Castle Island in Boston Harbor to protect the main ship channel into Boston. Construction of the star shaped fort began in 1800 and was planned to mount 42 guns with two outer batteries each mounting six guns.

Third System (1816-1867)

In 1834 construction began on a Third System granite fort built on the foundation of the Second System Fort. The new fort was pentagon shaped and had bastion at each corner. Work was completed in 1851.

U.S. Civil War (1861-1865)

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Current Status

Opened to the public as a Boston City Park in 1975.

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Location: Castle Island in Boston Harbor, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, now attached to the mainland.

Maps & Images

Lat: 42.338333 Long: -71.011111

Multi Maps from ACME
Maps from Bing
Maps from Google
Elevation: 36'

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 402-404
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 86-87

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