Fort McClary
Kittery, ME


Photo courtesy of David Perry.

The high vantage point at Fort McClary was used for 275 to protect the Piscataqua River region. The buildings presently on the site represent several periods as the fort was re-purposed during five wars – Revolutionary, War of 1812, Spanish-American and WWI. In all that time, however, it saw little conflict. The fort was named for NH Major Amdrew McClary who died at Bunker Hill. In addition to the hexagonal fort, the site contains a blockhouse, (1844), rifleman’s house (same era), a massive granite wall (Civil War era), an earlier granite wall and earthwork (1808-1844) and two caponiers (Civil War), a granite powder magazine (Civil War) and the foundation of the barracks used from 1808. The brick magazine, built in 1808 is the oldest surviving structure on the site. The hilly area provides a superb view of Portsmouth’s Fort Constitution and Fort Point lighthouse across the river. The site is maintained by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

HOURS: Memorial Day - September 30, Fee Charged
WEBSITE: http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=38
ADMISSION: Token fee not specified
PHONE: (207) 384-5160
ADDRESS: Kittery Point Road Kittery, ME 03802
DIRECTIONS: 2 1/2 miles from U.S. Route 1 and Maine Turnpike on Kittery Point Road (Route 103) (turn at rotary)
LINKS: Full Fort History, More on Kittery,