Fort Constitution

Fort Constitution State Historic Site is located on a peninsula on the northeast corner of New Castle Island. It overlooks both the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean. The grounds provide a casual gathering spot for picnics. In 1791, the State of New Hampshire gave the United States the neck of land on which Fort William and Mary and a lighthouse were situated. The fort was repaired, renamed Fort Constitution and garrisoned with a company of United States artillery. Renovations, which included a wall twice as high as that of the colonial fort and new brick buildings, were completed in 1808. It is the ruins of this fort that are seen today. 

Fort Foster

Located on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point accessible by bridge from Kittery Point, Fort Foster features an excellent view of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, including Whaleback Light, Portsmouth Harbor Light, Fort Constitution and the Wood Island Lifesaving Station. A path along the river is every bit as spectacular as the view from Odiorne Point or New Castle Common in New Hampshire, across the harbor.

Gerrish Island, was taken for a fortification by the federal government in 1872. Today, you can explore old military fortifications, and large gray military structures with enhanced views of the Piscataqua. The concrete bunker, once mounted with deadly artillery guns, blends into the rocky scenery. This expansive military complex was set up initially as the high-tech defense of the Navy Yard. After the Spanish American war, the goal was to hit the enemy four miles out to sea. Each new war brought enhancements and by WW II the harbor between Fort Foster and New Castle was strung with 5,000 pound mines, ready to be detonated beneath an enemy ship.

There is a designated area scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking and is among the more extensive flat, waterside hiking spots in the region. In the winter, this 88-acre park is a favorite of cross-country skiers, dog walkers and winter hikers. 

Fort McClary

Located on Route 103 in Kittery, Maine, Fort McClary fort has for more than 275 years stood to protect the approaches to the Piscataqua River at the southern gateway to Kittery, Maine. Named for New Hampshire native Major Andrew McClary who died at the Revolutionary War's Battle of Bunker Hill, Fort McClary stands today as one of the state's most important historic forts that dramatically preserves evidence of military history and changes in military architecture and technology.

The buildings presently on the site represent several different periods of construction as the fort was upgraded and modified to meet the area's defensive needs. The site was manned during five wars: The Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. Like most other Maine forts, it saw little conflict.

Fort Stark 

Fort Stark State Historic Site is located on a peninsula historically called Jerry's Point on the southeast corner of New Castle Island. It overlooks the Piscataqua River, Little Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Stark was named in honor of John Stark, commander of New Hampshire forces at the Battle of Bennington (1777). It is one of seven forts built to protect Portsmouth Harbor and the others in New Hampshire are: Fort Washington, Fort William and Mary (Constitution), and Fort Dearborn (Odiorne Point State Park). Maine's forts: Fort Sullivan, Fort McClary and Fort Foster.

The earliest forts were built to protect the colonists. As Portsmouth Harbor's importance increased with its Revolutionary War shipbuilding industry and the establishment of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1800, additional fortification was needed.

At Jerry's Point there is evidence of earthwork fortification, circa 1842, and a stonework fort, circa 1873. Following the Spanish American War (1898) the improved defense of key harbors became a national priority. Fortifications such as Fort Stark were constructed on both coasts during the Endicott Period (1890-1920) and at Forts Constitution, McClary and Foster. The basic defense concept was to mine the harbor entrances and erect gun batteries. No shots were ever fired in anger.

The final coastal fortification occurred during World War II (WWII) when batteries were added to Fort Foster, and Fort Dearborn was constructed. The five remaining forts are obsolete and today are considered historic sites or parks which are open to the public. Following World War II the navy took over the army installations and used Fort Stark primarily for reserve training until the property was deeded to the state of New Hampshire in 1978 and 1983.