"Maine Summary": Kennebunkport and Fort McClary

June 27 we drove down the Maine Coast (as close as we could get!) to Kennebunkport, specifically to view the Elder Bush Compound. We wanted to see if we could see Barbara! Sadly, we did not spot her! We did enjoy the view however!

From Kennebunkport, we continued along the coast to the southern tip of Maine, historic Fort McClary. This site has been used for nearly 275 years to protect the approaches to the Piscataqua River. 

The site was manned during five wars:  the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. But, it saw little conflict. It was named for New Hampshire native Major Andrew McClary who died at the Revolutionary War's Battle of Bunker Hill. The array of buildings , walls and earthwork reveal military history and are evidence of changes in military architecture and technology. Granite was used to build walls, beginning in 1808. But, with rifled cannons which could penetrate these walls, these plans were suspended, making such a structure obsolete. Hence, many piles of granite surround the fort. 

To the left is the Blockhouse, built during 1844-1846, representing a unique combination of construction materials. The foundation is mortared fieldstone. The first story walls are of cut granite, and the second story is build of squared logs. 

In the picture on the right you can see the piles of granite, abandoned when the realization that rifled cannon balls could penetrate them.

This view also shows the Piscataqua River, now hosting many boats. 

Above is the entrance to the blockhouse. Notice the chains, like a "gangplank", where the "plank" could be raised, thus blocking entrance to the blockhouse.

Ruth is coming up from the Carponier, one of two that were part of the plans to modify the fort from 1864-1868. A caponier is a work extending outside a wall that permits gunfire or cannon fire along the length of the wall.  She saw nothing other than a "window" for the cannon. 

Blockhouse, granite wall, and piles of granite

Of course Rupert and Bitty enjoyed the stop! Here they are standing near the foundation outlining the location of a barracks building constructed ca. 1808 and remained standing into the 1900's. 

It was a perfect day for being in Maine! Not too hot, not too chilly--great to spend time near the Maine coast! And for exploring more history! Oh, and we stopped for lunch and had, guess what? Clams and scallops, and fish and chips!

Later!

Roving Riders