Built from 1844 - 1869, Fort Knox is one of a group of 42 forts, which were constructed for the defense of the coast of the United States, and for defense of the waterways they guarded. This group of forts became known as the Third System of Fortifications. The Fort was designed by Chief Engineer Joseph Totton with a number of other engineers serving as superintendents of construction, among them Isaac Ingalls Stevens and Thomas L Casey. The fort was named for Major General Henry Knox, Americas first Secretary of War, who was born in Boston but retired to Thomaston, Maine in 1796. The Fort garrisoned troops from 1863 to 1866. These troops were mostly volunteers undergoing training before being sent to their active posts and included members of the celebrated 20th Maine. Troops were also briefly stationed at the fort during the Spanish American war in 1898, but never saw military action.
While there is obvious history to be
learned at Fort Knox, one should remember that
Fort Knox also represents an example of state of
the art 19th century technology. A few of the
relevant topics* in science and technology that
can (if desired) be integrated into a historical
tour of the fort complex include:
The geology of the Waldo Mountain Granite and Penobscot Formation
The defensive use of soil/ grass for the
terreplain (roof) of the fort (impulse-momentum)
The cannon recoil mechanism of the Rodman gun (conservation of energy)
The formation of limestone stalactites in the fort (chemistry)
The Rodman method of making large cannons (metallurgy/physics)
The invention and use of Mammoth Powder
to increase cannon range (chemistry)
Materials and regulations used in powder
magazines to minimize the chance of explosion (physics/chemistry)
The uses of the arch in the construction of the fort (physics)
The use of brick vs. granite vs. schist
as building materials in the fort (materials science)
Quarrying methods of the 1800s (materials science and technology)
The Totten casemate, embrasure and shutter system (technology)
The Penobscot Narrows Cable Stay Bridge (physics/engineering)
*These tours are have been successfully given to
students from age 6 to 70+. Adjustments in
content will be made according to grade level and interest.
Come explore the Fort and discover this treasure
of Maine and United States History and state of
the art 19th century technology. Fort Knox is
open May 1 - Nov 1. The newly constructed
Penobscot Narrows Bridge boasts an observation
tower, rising 420 above sea level, which may
only be accessed through the Fort. This tower
will provide the visitor a breathtaking view of
the Penobscot River Valley, and is the only
observatory like it in the Western Hemisphere! .
Admission to Fort Knox is free for school groups
during the school year and guided tours of the
fort are available by reservation. Cost of
admission to the Tower will be (For school groups from September - June only)
$2.50 Age 12+
$2.00 Child 5-11
For additional information/teacher resources
visit:
http://fortknox.maineguide.com/education.html
For tour reservations call (207) 469-6553 or
email
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Note: If you would like any science related
topics incorporated into your tour of the fort
please mention this when making reservations
along with any specific area(s) of interest you may want emphasized.
Fort Knox is a State Historic Site owned and
operated by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
To Find the Fort:
From Belfast: Proceed north on US Rte 1, through
Searsport and Stockton Springs, immediately
before crossing the Penobscot Narrows Bridge;
take a left at the traffic light onto Rte. 174.
Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right.
From Bar Harbor: Follow US Rte. 1 south across
the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, immediately
adjacent to the town of Bucksport. Once over the
bridge take a right at the traffic light onto
Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right.
From Bangor: On Rte. 1A South....follow Rte 1A
South through the towns of Hampden, Winterport,
Frankfort and Prospect. In Prospect Center, take
a left onto Rte. 174. Follow Rte 174
approximately 4 miles. Fort Knox will be on your
left. On Rte 15 South....follow Rte 15 South
through the city of Brewer and the towns of
Orrington and Bucksport. In Bucksport, take a
right onto US Rte.1 South and proceed over the
Penobscot Narrows bridge. Immediately upon
exiting the bridge take a right at the traffic
light onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right
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