Fort Bridgman
Fort Bridgman (1737-17??) - First established as a colonial settler's fort in 1737 by Orlando Bridgman in Windham County, Vermont. Abandoned as a fortification in 17??. Also known as Bridgman's Fort.
Fort Bridgman History
Orlando Bridgman built his fort in 1737 in present day Vernon, in Windham County, Vermont. Fort Bridgman was constructed of squared yellow pine logs laid lengthwise, crossed at the corners and fastened with wooden pins. This was a 20 by 38 foot, two story fortification, with the upper level projecting over the lower level providing a field of fire through loopholes in the walls. The compound was surrounded by a twenty foot high sharpened picket fence.
King George's War (1744-1748)
Fort Bridgman became one of sixteen forts established in a line from Fort Drummer to Fort Massachusetts to protect settlers from attacks by the French and their hostile Indian Allies during King George's War. On 24 jun 1746 a band of hostile Indians attacked the fort, two men were killed and the fort was burned to the ground. The fort was rebuilt but it was again attacked by the French and hostile Indians and burnt to the ground on 22 Oct 1747. The fort was again rebuilt and survived through the end of King George's War.
French & Indian War (1754-1763)
Fort Bridgman was attacked during the French & Indian War on 27 Jun 1755 and burnt to the ground for the third time. The fort was rebuilt and remained standing in dilapidated condition until 1838.
Current Status
DAR marker only.
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Location: Vernon, Windham County, Vermont. Map point is approximate. Maps & Images Lat: 42.768333 Long: -72.519167 |
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 797
Links:
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Fort Bridgman Picture Gallery
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