Fort Knox State Historic Site, Open and Well Worth A Stop
by - Written: Aug 25 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well maintained.
Cons: Took me and Maine 35 years to get together for this.
The Bottom Line: Fort Knox is an excellent example of 19the century fort architecture. It's worth a stop.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Fort Knox State Historic Site |
I have been traveling to Acadia National Park from Long Island for over 35 years by way of Rt 3 coming off Interstate 95 at Augusta. I have passed Fort Knox each time and until relatively recently didn't know it was there and once I did, paid it little mind. Big mistake. The fort is open daily for a fee of $3.00 per person, less for kids, as you approach in your car. Parking is free.
The fort was built in the years 1844 and 1869 as protection against the British who twice before gained control of the Penobscot River and the lands around it including the city of Bangor which is up river. The two occasions were during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Though the fort, after being completed, was never in any kind of battle, it still remains as a fine historic site displaying 19the century building techniques and battle plans.
The New Bridge and Observatory
We visited the fort on our way back from Acadia National Park in Maine. When we approached the banks of the river from Bucksport we could see the well maintained fort across the waters. We crossed the new bridge which may be called the New Bridge. That was it's name when it was being built a few years ago. It opened relatively recently but I don't know if it was given an official name.
The bridge happens to have an observation tower built into it. It's name is the Penobscot Narrows Observation Tower. Perhaps it's part of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
Anyways, admission to that tower is paid for and starts at Fort Knox. I didn't pay the extra $2.00 that would have included the ride to the top. Perhaps next year.
Our Experience
After paying and getting flashlights from our car as recommended, we made our way to the visitors center that also has one of the smallest gift shops imaginable. I didn't get that. The rest of the building was large without a whole lot inside. There were a few pictures and educational displays that gave some background and history of the fort. We also had a map of the fort in hand that was given to us when we paid our admission fee.
The grounds are meticulously maintained. The batteries seemed like they were ready to fire. Well there weren't a whole lot of cannon on display but what we saw was awesome!
There were well worded placards at a couple of the sites giving description as to what we were looking at. That was helpful but a few more signs would have helped even more without cluttering to much of the forts serene look.
There are daily tours. We were chained to time restraints so we did the tour on our own with our flashlights. The map given was helpful in guiding us around. The flashlight was a help in some of the darker areas that only had filtered sunlight. I can imagine the place must get really dark on cloudy days. The fort also has special ghost events. Those must be a hoot at night.
I walked the full fort and the parade grounds with my wife and daughter. We were sure to get views of the river from different vantages. Bring the camera.
Though this is noted to be a very popular historic site of Maine there weren't a whole lotta people there. In fact there were times when I felt we were alone. Part of the reason is the vast size and the many levels and rooms.
The site also has a large picnic area that I saw from afar. I didn't ask but it seemed that bus trips could be accommodated there too.
We spent a little more than an hour at the site. I would have spent another hour or so more but the gals were pushing me along. An enthusiast could spend a good part of the day there. I would also recommend the tour in that I know from past experience that so much more can be learned when directed by an informed guide.
Though temperatures were pleasant the day we were there I can imagine the forts interior as being a haven from the hot sun. It felt like air conditioning in the darker depths of the fort. We did make use of our flashlight there.
Last Thoughts
No, this isn't the Fort Knox with all the gold. That's why we didn't stick around too long that day.
The fort was quite bare. I would have liked to have seen more cannon in place and more uniforms, rifles and implements of war that day. The views across the river are beautiful and the new bridge is architecturally stunning. It's worth a stop and a look. Be prepared to do the observatory too.
Perry's Nut House Another Stop on Rt 3 going to or from Acadia National Park
MAINE,wonderful coastal towns and so much more.
Bar Harbor What a great seaside town!!
Acadia National Park My favorite place in the world!
Recommended:
Yes
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