Fort Knox was named after Major General Henry Knox, America's first Secretary of War and Commander of Artillery during the American Revolution. He lived in Thomaston, ME during the final years of his life. America's other Fort Knox in Kentucky is also named after him.
Nearly one million dollars was spent to build Fort Knox. Congressional appropriations were sporadic and construction continued for 25 years; it was never finished.
The granite was quarried on Mt Waldo located about 5-miles up river from the fort. Once they were quarried, the grainte blocks were transported down the mountain, then carried by scow to the fort's wharf. Some of the granite was cut and finished to proper sizes on side at the fort.
The most memorable features are the large Rodman cannons. Developed by Thomas Jefferson Rodman who improved the methods for casting metal for cannon tubes; his were stronger and safer. This 15-inch Rodman was powerful, but slow to maneuver. Twelve men were needed to load the cannon! They used a mechanical hoist to lift the 330 pound shell or 450 pound solid ball. Two men had to manage the rammer. At 20 degree elevation, the canon could fire a solid cannonball 5,579 yards!
Fort Knox was the first and largest granite fort built in Maine.
You needed a flashlight in some areas.
It was very interesting and the people around were more than happy to answer questions.
Fort Knox was named after Major General Henry Knox, America's first Secretary of War and Commander of Artillery during the American Revolution. He lived in Thomaston, ME during the final years of his life. America's other Fort Knox in Kentucky is also named after him.
Nearly one million dollars was spent to build Fort Knox. Congressional appropriations were sporadic and construction continued for 25 years; it was never finished.
The granite was quarried on Mt Waldo located about 5-miles up river from the fort. Once they were quarried, the grainte blocks were transported down the mountain, then carried by scow to the fort's wharf. Some of the granite was cut and finished to proper sizes on side at the fort.
The most memorable features are the large Rodman cannons. Developed by Thomas Jefferson Rodman who improved the methods for casting metal for cannon tubes; his were stronger and safer. This 15-inch Rodman was powerful, but slow to maneuver. Twelve men were needed to load the cannon! They used a mechanical hoist to lift the 330 pound shell or 450 pound solid ball. Two men had to manage the rammer. At 20 degree elevation, the canon could fire a solid cannonball 5,579 yards!
Fort Knox was the first and largest granite fort built in Maine.
You needed a flashlight in some areas.
It was very interesting and the people around were more than happy to answer questions.
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