Originally named Fort William and Mary, this fort was originally built in 1791 at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, as a stronghold to protect the town of Portsmith, New Hampshire. When the shipyards were created further up the river on Fernald's Island in the early 1800s, the walls of this fort were fortified, made higher, and when several new buildings were added, the name was changed to Fort Constitution. The fort was expanded again during the Civil war as granite citadel, as it stands today. There are no 'formal' tours of the fortress available, but families are free to roam around and explore the building and the grounds.
There are several things to do around Fort Constitution that will be interesting and fun for visitors, such as:
- Bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying the breathtaking view of the harbor is one of the most relaxing and picturesque activities that are available for the day.
- Photographers will have a great time capturing the scenic views of this for, and the lighthouse will provide a great focal point for pictures.
- Visiting the historic lighthouse is a must for the history buffs, and generally it is open for tours.
- There are also various historic maps and photos available to guests.
- Climbing up to the Jordans Rock is a great activity and provides a fantastic view of the Walbach Tower; visitors can see the remaining interior.
This Fort Constitution is a great place to spend a relaxing day.