Fort Constitution - Revision history

J. Malcolm at 01:41, 8 December 2024

2024-12-08T01:41:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 7 December 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth]]		[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth]]
	Loc. ~~146~~ Fort Constitution was a fort used from colonial times to 1948 in New Castle NH.		Loc. 147 Fort Constitution was a fort used from colonial times to 1948 in New Castle NH.

	'''This page is being re-written. Excuse our mess.'''		'''This page is being re-written. Excuse our mess.'''

J. Malcolm: This page is being re-written. Excuse our mess.

2024-12-08T01:38:58Z

This page is being re-written. Excuse our mess.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 7 December 2024
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	[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth]]		[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth]]
	~~Coastal~~ Fort in New Castle~~, used from 1790~~-~~1948~~. ~~Currently an active Coast Guard Base~~		Loc. 146 Fort Constitution was a fort used from colonial times to 1948 in New Castle NH.

			'''This page is being re-written. Excuse our mess.'''

	== Early History ==		== Early History ==

J. Malcolm: /* Battery Farnsworth */ Updated gallery and info

2024-03-04T01:10:43Z

Battery Farnsworth: Updated gallery and info

Show changes

J. Malcolm: /* Battery Hackleman */

2024-03-04T00:49:10Z

Battery Hackleman

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 3 March 2024
Line 3:		Line 3:

	== Early History ==		== Early History ==
	Fort Constitution was first established in the 1631 as Fort William and Mary. It was an earthwork with four guns. Over the rest of the 1600s many renovations were made but the oldest remaining parts of the fort were added in 1705-09 which were some stone walls which are now encompassed by the 1808 fort. The new 1808 fort was part of the Second System, of which there are not many that remain. Two barracks and two magazines were built along with a bastion and higher walls. Over 35 guns could be mounted on this new construction. During the war of 1812 a Martello tower was constructed upon Jordans Rock near where Battery Farnsworth would be built. The tower was named for John de Barth Walbach in 1814. Four guns were emplaced on this structure which was hastily built (Which may explain its deterioration). Many upgrades were made to the fort up to the Civil War.<gallery>		Fort Constitution was first established in the 1631 as Fort William and Mary. It was an earthwork with four guns. Over the rest of the 1600s many renovations were made but the oldest remaining parts of the fort were added in 1705-09 which were some stone walls which are now encompassed by the 1808 fort. The new 1808 fort was part of the Second System, of which there are not many that remain. Two barracks and two magazines were built along with a bastion and higher walls. Over 35 guns could be mounted on this new construction. During the war of 1812 a Martello tower was constructed upon Jordans Rock near where Battery Farnsworth would be built. The tower was named for John de Barth Walbach in 1814. Four guns were emplaced on this structure which was hastily built (Which may explain its deterioration). Many upgrades were made to the fort up to the Civil War.<gallery mode="nolines">
	File:ConstitutionFt 28.jpg\|Gun ~~positions~~		File:ConstitutionFt 28.jpg\|Gun Positions
	File:ConstitutionFt 27.jpg\|1974 ~~gatehouse~~		File:ConstitutionFt 27.jpg\|1974 Reconstructed Entrance
	File:ConstitutionFt 30.jpg\|Well ~~passageway~~		File:ConstitutionFt 30.jpg\|Water Well Access Tunnel
	File:ConstitutionFt 32.jpg\|~~Inbetween the walls~~		File:ConstitutionFt 32.jpg\|Gap Between Walls
	File:ConstitutionFt 29.jpg\|1709 ~~stonework~~		File:ConstitutionFt 29.jpg\|1709 Wall Ruins
	File:ConstitutionFt 25.jpg\|Remaining 1808 Magazine		File:ConstitutionFt 25.jpg\|Remaining 1808 Magazine
	File:ConstitutionFt 36.jpg\|Walbach Tower ruins		File:ConstitutionFt 36.jpg\|Walbach Tower ruins
	~~File:ConstitutionFt 21.jpg~~		File:ConstitutionFt 20.jpg\|Sentry Room
	File:ConstitutionFt 20.jpg\|Sentry ~~room~~		File:ConstitutionFt 19.jpg\|1974 Gate Mechanism
	File:ConstitutionFt 19.jpg\|1974 ~~gate mechanisim~~		File:ConstitutionFt 17.jpg\|Main Gate
	~~File:ConstitutionFt 18.jpg\|Bastion with 1943 CRF~~
	File:ConstitutionFt 17.jpg\|Main ~~gate~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

	== Civil War ==		== Civil War ==
	In 1862 construction began on a massive granite Third-System fort that would be built where the 1808 work was. One tier of the planned four tier fort was partially completed. In 1867 all work ceased. Weapons were in fact mounted on this incomplete work which can be seen in some old photographs. <gallery>		In 1862 construction began on a massive granite Third-System fort that would be built where the 1808 work was. One tier of the planned four tier fort was partially completed. In 1867 all work ceased. Weapons were in fact mounted on this incomplete work which can be seen in some old photographs. <gallery mode="nolines">
	File:ConstitutionFt 07.jpg\|~~Front~~		File:ConstitutionFt 07.jpg\|Seaward View
	File:ConstitutionFt 09.jpg\|View from atop the lighthouse		File:ConstitutionFt 09.jpg\|View from atop the lighthouse
	File:ConstitutionFt 06.jpg\|Remaining casements		File:ConstitutionFt 06.jpg\|Remaining casements
	File:ConstitutionFt 05.jpg		File:ConstitutionFt 05.jpg\|Casement
	File:ConstitutionFt 04.jpg\|1938 Stone wall made with leftover granite		File:ConstitutionFt 04.jpg\|1938 Stone wall made with leftover granite
	File:ConstitutionFt 02.jpg\|Incomplete ~~casement~~		File:ConstitutionFt 02.jpg\|Incomplete Casement
	File:ConstitutionFt 33.jpg\|Parade		File:ConstitutionFt 33.jpg\|Parade Ground
	File:ConstitutionFt 34.jpg\|Incomplete casements		File:ConstitutionFt 34.jpg\|Incomplete casements
	</gallery>		</gallery>
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	== Battery Hackleman ==		== Battery Hackleman ==
	Battery Hackleman was constructed in 1904 with two 3-inch Pedestal guns. This structure is essentially identical to the ones at [[Fort Foster]] and [[Fort Stark]] minus the 1920 CRF station. In 1920 an open aired CRF Station was built on the old bastion near the battery. This would later be replaced in 1942 with a fully enclosed station. The guns from the battery would be removed and sent to Fishers Island in New York. They would be replaced by Battery Lytle's guns from [[Fort Stark]]. During WWII this battery would be designated Battery #4 on defense charts.<gallery>		Battery Hackleman was constructed in 1904 with two 3-inch Pedestal guns. This structure is essentially identical to the ones at [[Fort Foster]] and [[Fort Stark]] minus the 1920 CRF station. In 1920 an open aired CRF Station was built on the old bastion near the battery. This would later be replaced in 1942 with a fully enclosed station. The guns from the battery would be removed and sent to Fishers Island in New York. They would be replaced by Battery Lytle's guns from [[Fort Stark]]. During WWII this battery would be designated Battery #4 on defense charts.<gallery mode="nolines">
	File:Hackleman.jpg\|Hackleman plan		File:Hackleman.jpg\|Hackleman plan
	File:ConstitutionFt 31.jpg\|1943 CRF		File:ConstitutionFt 31.jpg\|1943 CRF
	~~File:ConstitutionFt 24.jpg~~		File:ConstitutionFt 18.jpg\|CRF From Bastion
	File:ConstitutionFt 18.jpg\|~~View from bastion~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

J. Malcolm: /* Battery Farnsworth */

2024-03-04T00:42:11Z

Battery Farnsworth

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 3 March 2024
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	== Battery Farnsworth ==		== Battery Farnsworth ==
	Battery Farnsworth was constructed in 1897 and used during the Spanish American War, the battery was not complete until 1899. This battery had two 8-inch Disappearing Rifles. No electricity was added, and the shell hoists were hand operated. Because this was such an early battery it was made with Rosendale cement which does not work well with water. The structure had a dampness issue from the beginning, and by 1917 the battery was unusable. The battery would serve out its life as storage for mine cabling. In 1921 a centralized power station was built at the traverse of the battery. In 1938 plans were put in place to add a searchlight emplacement but no advances were made on this idea. <gallery>		Battery Farnsworth was constructed in 1897 and used during the Spanish American War, the battery was not complete until 1899. This battery had two 8-inch Disappearing Rifles. No electricity was added, and the shell hoists were hand operated. Because this was such an early battery it was made with Rosendale cement which does not work well with water. The structure had a dampness issue from the beginning, and by 1917 the battery was unusable. The battery would serve out its life as storage for mine cabling. In 1921 a centralized power station was built at the traverse of the battery. In 1938 plans were put in place to add a searchlight emplacement but no advances were made on this idea. <gallery>
	File:ConstitutionFt 12.jpg\|~~Emp~~ #2		File:ConstitutionFt 12.jpg\|Emplacement #1
	File:ConstitutionFt 39.jpg\|~~Emp #1 with mine tower~~		File:ConstitutionFt 39.jpg\|Mine OP
	File:ConstitutionFt 13.jpg\|Central ~~traverse~~		File:ConstitutionFt 13.jpg\|Central Traverse
	File:CONSTITUTION 22.jpg\|~~exposed~~ area ~~where powerplant was built~~		File:CONSTITUTION 22.jpg\|Exposed area in traverse
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 19.jpg\|Emp #1 Gallery~~
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 18.jpg\|Emp #1 Magazine~~
	File:CONSTITUTION 23.jpg\|Emp #1 Steps		File:CONSTITUTION 23.jpg\|Emp #1 Steps
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 16.jpg\|Emp #1~~
	File:CONSTITUTION 04.jpg		File:CONSTITUTION 04.jpg
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 20.jpg\|Powerplant Switchboard~~
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 21.jpg\|Powerplant window~~
	File:Const (1) 02.jpg\|1921 Plan		File:Const (1) 02.jpg\|1921 Plan
	</gallery>		</gallery>

J. Malcolm: /* Present */

2024-02-26T00:53:00Z

Present

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 25 February 2024
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	== Present ==		== Present ==
	The fort was deactivated in 1948 and used by the National Guard in the 50s for training. The fort became the Portsmouth Harbor lifeboat station immediately after the fort's abonnement. In 1960 part of the property was designated a State Historic Site but remained unopen until 1973. In 1965 the Portsmouth Harbor Coast Guard Station was established. The Coast Guard would demolish Battery Hackleman and build a new structure in its place. Parts of the fort are owned by UNH who use some of the old buildings for research. Battery Farnsworth, Walbach Tower and the Mine Casement are currently owned by UNH and keep them closed for public safety. In 2007 the Ordnance Storehouse was razed and in 2009 the Mine Loading Building was razed. In 2020 the militia storehouse was razed, leaving only the Torpedo Storehouse as a sole survivor of the post buildings. During my visit of the fort, the Second System works were closed and there was no access to the Battery Farnsworth area.<gallery>		The fort was deactivated in 1948 and used by the National Guard in the 50s for training. The fort became the Portsmouth Harbor lifeboat station immediately after the fort's abonnement. In 1960 part of the property was designated a State Historic Site but remained unopen until 1973. In 1965 the Portsmouth Harbor Coast Guard Station was established. The Coast Guard would demolish Battery Hackleman and build a new structure in its place. Parts of the fort are owned by UNH who use some of the old buildings for research. Battery Farnsworth, Walbach Tower and the Mine Casement are currently owned by UNH and keep them closed for public safety. In 2007 the Ordnance Storehouse was razed and in 2009 the Mine Loading Building was razed. In 2020 the militia storehouse was razed, leaving only the Torpedo Storehouse as a sole survivor of the post buildings. During my visit of the fort, the Second System works were closed and there was no access to the Battery Farnsworth area due to the extreme deterioration.<gallery>
	File:ConstitutionFt 01.jpg\|1945 Postcard		File:ConstitutionFt 01.jpg\|1945 Postcard
	File:CONSTITUTION 32.jpg\|Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse		File:CONSTITUTION 32.jpg\|Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
	File:ConstitutionFt 16.jpg\|Coast Guard Station		File:ConstitutionFt 16.jpg\|Coast Guard Station
	</gallery>		</gallery>

J. Malcolm: /* World War One */

2023-08-17T16:03:50Z

World War One

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:03, 17 August 2023
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	File:CONSTITUTION 20.jpg\|Powerplant Switchboard		File:CONSTITUTION 20.jpg\|Powerplant Switchboard
	File:CONSTITUTION 21.jpg\|Powerplant window		File:CONSTITUTION 21.jpg\|Powerplant window
			File:Const (1) 02.jpg\|1921 Plan
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	== World War One ==		== World War One ==
	In 1917 the guns of Battery Farnsworth were dismounted and sent to Massachusetts. The carriages were removed the following year. In 1920 some improvements were made to the fort. This included a Mine Casement covered with earth under Walbach Tower. But in 1922 the fort was placed on caretaker status until the eve of WWII. In 1945 the battery was deactivated, and the guns were scrapped. The fort would be designated as location 147 during all of WWII.		In 1917 the guns of Battery Farnsworth were dismounted and sent to Massachusetts. The carriages were removed the following year. In 1920 some improvements were made to the fort. This included a Mine Casement covered with earth under Walbach Tower. But in 1922 the fort was placed on caretaker status until the eve of WWII. In 1945 the battery was deactivated, and the guns were scrapped. The fort would be designated as location 147 during all of WWII.<center><gallery mode="nolines" widths="200" heights="200">
			File:Const (1) 03.jpg\|Mine Casement Plan
			File:Const (1) 01.jpg\|Fort Map 1921
			</gallery></center>

	== World War Two ==		== World War Two ==

	In 1940 the fort was reactivated awaiting new improvements. In 1938 a seawall was built by the Corps of Engineers to protect the shoreline. In 1942 the Mine Casement was gas-proofed, which involved essentially sealing up the front of the casement and adding a small doorway. A brand new Mine Observation station was also added atop Battery Farnsworth's #2 emplacement. <gallery>		In 1940 the fort was reactivated awaiting new improvements. In 1938 a seawall was built by the Corps of Engineers to protect the shoreline. In 1942 the Mine Casement was gas-proofed, which involved essentially sealing up the front of the casement and adding a small doorway. A brand new Mine Observation station was also added atop Battery Farnsworth's #2 emplacement. <gallery>
	File:ConstitutionFt 37.jpg\|Mine Casement		File:ConstitutionFt 37.jpg\|Mine Casement
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	File:CONSTITUTION 06.jpg\|communications		File:CONSTITUTION 06.jpg\|communications
	File:CONSTITUTION 05.jpg\|Light		File:CONSTITUTION 05.jpg\|Light
			File:Const (1) 04.jpg
			File:Const (1) 05.jpg\|1938 Plan
	</gallery>		</gallery>

J. Malcolm: /* Present */

2023-08-17T15:25:33Z

Present

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:25, 17 August 2023
Line 85:		Line 85:

	== Present ==		== Present ==
	The fort was deactivated in 1948 and used by the National Guard in the 50s for training. The fort became the Portsmouth Harbor lifeboat station immediately after the fort's abonnement. In 1960 part of the property was designated a State Historic Site but remained unopen until 1973. In 1965 the Portsmouth Harbor Coast Guard Station was established. The Coast Guard would demolish Battery Hackleman and build a new structure in its place. Parts of the fort are owned by UNH who use some of the old buildings for research. Battery Farnsworth, Walbach Tower and the Mine Casement are currently owned by UNH and keep them closed for public safety. In 2007 the Ordnance Storehouse was razed and in 2009 the Mine Loading Building was razed. In 2020 ~~another building~~ was razed, leaving only the Torpedo Storehouse as a sole survivor of the post buildings. During my visit of the fort, the Second System works were closed and there was no access to the Battery Farnsworth area.<gallery>		The fort was deactivated in 1948 and used by the National Guard in the 50s for training. The fort became the Portsmouth Harbor lifeboat station immediately after the fort's abonnement. In 1960 part of the property was designated a State Historic Site but remained unopen until 1973. In 1965 the Portsmouth Harbor Coast Guard Station was established. The Coast Guard would demolish Battery Hackleman and build a new structure in its place. Parts of the fort are owned by UNH who use some of the old buildings for research. Battery Farnsworth, Walbach Tower and the Mine Casement are currently owned by UNH and keep them closed for public safety. In 2007 the Ordnance Storehouse was razed and in 2009 the Mine Loading Building was razed. In 2020 the militia storehouse was razed, leaving only the Torpedo Storehouse as a sole survivor of the post buildings. During my visit of the fort, the Second System works were closed and there was no access to the Battery Farnsworth area.<gallery>
	File:ConstitutionFt 01.jpg\|1945 Postcard		File:ConstitutionFt 01.jpg\|1945 Postcard
	File:CONSTITUTION 32.jpg\|Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse		File:CONSTITUTION 32.jpg\|Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
	File:ConstitutionFt 16.jpg\|Coast Guard Station		File:ConstitutionFt 16.jpg\|Coast Guard Station
	</gallery>		</gallery>

J. Malcolm: /* Early History */

2023-08-17T15:23:07Z

Early History

Show changes

J. Malcolm: /* Civil War */

2023-08-16T23:54:40Z

Civil War

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 == Civil War ==
-In 1862 construction began on a massive granite Third-System fort that would be built where the 1808 work was. One tier of the planned four tier fort was partially completed. In 1867 all work ceased. Weapons were in fact mounted on this incomplete work which can be seen in some old photographs.
+In 1862 construction began on a massive granite Third-System fort that would be built where the 1808 work was. One tier of the planned four tier fort was partially completed. In 1867 all work ceased. Weapons were in fact mounted on this incomplete work which can be seen in some old photographs. <gallery>
 == Endicott Era ==
-A mine casement would be built in 1898 during the Spanish American War to control mines placed in the harbor. It was built near emplacement #2 of the battery. In 1904 a Command Station for Battery Farnsworth would be built near Walbach Tower. In 1921 this tower would be converted to the Mine Station. In 1901, a Torpedo Storehouse was built next to the 1808 fort. In 1907 a loading building was built for the mine shells.
+A mine casement would be built in 1898 during the Spanish American War to control mines placed in the harbor. It was built near emplacement #2 of the battery. In 1904 a Command Station for Battery Farnsworth would be built near Walbach Tower. In 1921 this tower would be converted to the Mine Station. In 1901, a Torpedo Storehouse was built next to the 1808 fort. In 1907 a loading building was built for the mine shells. <gallery>
 == Battery Farnsworth ==
-Battery Farnsworth was constructed in 1897 and used during the Spanish American War, the battery was not complete until 1899. This battery had two 8-inch Disappearing Rifles. No electricity was added, and the shell hoists were hand operated. Because this was such an early battery it was made with Rosendale cement which does not work well with water. The structure had a dampness issue from the beginning, and by 1917 the battery was unusable. The battery would serve out its life as storage for mine cabling. In 1921 a centralized power station was built at the traverse of the battery. In 1938 plans were put in place to add a searchlight emplacement but no advances were made on this idea.
+Battery Farnsworth was constructed in 1897 and used during the Spanish American War, the battery was not complete until 1899. This battery had two 8-inch Disappearing Rifles. No electricity was added, and the shell hoists were hand operated. Because this was such an early battery it was made with Rosendale cement which does not work well with water. The structure had a dampness issue from the beginning, and by 1917 the battery was unusable. The battery would serve out its life as storage for mine cabling. In 1921 a centralized power station was built at the traverse of the battery. In 1938 plans were put in place to add a searchlight emplacement but no advances were made on this idea. <gallery>
 == Battery Hackleman ==
-Battery Hackleman was constructed in 1904 with two 3-inch Pedestal guns. This structure is essentially identical to the ones at [[Fort Foster]] and [[Fort Stark]] minus the 1920 CRF station. In 1920 an open aired CRF Station was built on the old bastion near the battery. This would later be replaced in 1942 with a fully enclosed station. The guns from the battery would be removed and sent to Fishers Island in New York. They would be replaced by Battery Lytle's guns from [[Fort Stark]]. During WWII this battery would be designated Battery #4 on defense charts.
+Battery Hackleman was constructed in 1904 with two 3-inch Pedestal guns. This structure is essentially identical to the ones at [[Fort Foster]] and [[Fort Stark]] minus the 1920 CRF station. In 1920 an open aired CRF Station was built on the old bastion near the battery. This would later be replaced in 1942 with a fully enclosed station. The guns from the battery would be removed and sent to Fishers Island in New York. They would be replaced by Battery Lytle's guns from [[Fort Stark]]. During WWII this battery would be designated Battery #4 on defense charts.<gallery>
 == World War One ==
@@ Line 34: / Line 67: @@
 == World War Two ==
-In 1940 the fort was reactivated awaiting new improvements. In 1938 a seawall was built by the Corps of Engineers to protect the shoreline. In 1942 the Mine Casement was gas-proofed, which involved essentially sealing up the front of the casement and adding a small doorway. A brand new Mine Observation station was also added atop Battery Farnsworth's #2 emplacement.
+In 1940 the fort was reactivated awaiting new improvements. In 1938 a seawall was built by the Corps of Engineers to protect the shoreline. In 1942 the Mine Casement was gas-proofed, which involved essentially sealing up the front of the casement and adding a small doorway. A brand new Mine Observation station was also added atop Battery Farnsworth's #2 emplacement. <gallery>
 == Present ==
-The fort was deactivated in 1948 and used by the National Guard in the 50s for training. The fort became the Portsmouth Harbor lifeboat station immediately after the fort's abonnement. In 1960 part of the property was designated a State Historic Site but remained unopen until 1973. In 1965 the Portsmouth Harbor Coast Guard Station was established. The Coast Guard would demolish Battery Hackleman and build a new structure in its place. Parts of the fort are owned by UNH who use some of the old buildings for research. Battery Farnsworth, Walbach Tower and the Mine Casement are currently owned by UNH and keep them closed for public safety. In 2007 the Ordnance Storehouse was razed and in 2009 the Mine Loading Building was razed. In 2020 another building was razed, leaving only the Torpedo Storehouse as a sole survivor of the post buildings. During my visit of the fort, the Second System works were closed and there was no access to the Battery Farnsworth area.
+The fort was deactivated in 1948 and used by the National Guard in the 50s for training. The fort became the Portsmouth Harbor lifeboat station immediately after the fort's abonnement. In 1960 part of the property was designated a State Historic Site but remained unopen until 1973. In 1965 the Portsmouth Harbor Coast Guard Station was established. The Coast Guard would demolish Battery Hackleman and build a new structure in its place. Parts of the fort are owned by UNH who use some of the old buildings for research. Battery Farnsworth, Walbach Tower and the Mine Casement are currently owned by UNH and keep them closed for public safety. In 2007 the Ordnance Storehouse was razed and in 2009 the Mine Loading Building was razed. In 2020 another building was razed, leaving only the Torpedo Storehouse as a sole survivor of the post buildings. During my visit of the fort, the Second System works were closed and there was no access to the Battery Farnsworth area.<gallery>

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 3 March 2024
Line 3:		Line 3:

	== Early History ==		== Early History ==
	Fort Constitution was first established in the 1631 as Fort William and Mary. It was an earthwork with four guns. Over the rest of the 1600s many renovations were made but the oldest remaining parts of the fort were added in 1705-09 which were some stone walls which are now encompassed by the 1808 fort. The new 1808 fort was part of the Second System, of which there are not many that remain. Two barracks and two magazines were built along with a bastion and higher walls. Over 35 guns could be mounted on this new construction. During the war of 1812 a Martello tower was constructed upon Jordans Rock near where Battery Farnsworth would be built. The tower was named for John de Barth Walbach in 1814. Four guns were emplaced on this structure which was hastily built (Which may explain its deterioration). Many upgrades were made to the fort up to the Civil War.<gallery>		Fort Constitution was first established in the 1631 as Fort William and Mary. It was an earthwork with four guns. Over the rest of the 1600s many renovations were made but the oldest remaining parts of the fort were added in 1705-09 which were some stone walls which are now encompassed by the 1808 fort. The new 1808 fort was part of the Second System, of which there are not many that remain. Two barracks and two magazines were built along with a bastion and higher walls. Over 35 guns could be mounted on this new construction. During the war of 1812 a Martello tower was constructed upon Jordans Rock near where Battery Farnsworth would be built. The tower was named for John de Barth Walbach in 1814. Four guns were emplaced on this structure which was hastily built (Which may explain its deterioration). Many upgrades were made to the fort up to the Civil War.<gallery mode="nolines">
	File:ConstitutionFt 28.jpg\|Gun ~~positions~~		File:ConstitutionFt 28.jpg\|Gun Positions
	File:ConstitutionFt 27.jpg\|1974 ~~gatehouse~~		File:ConstitutionFt 27.jpg\|1974 Reconstructed Entrance
	File:ConstitutionFt 30.jpg\|Well ~~passageway~~		File:ConstitutionFt 30.jpg\|Water Well Access Tunnel
	File:ConstitutionFt 32.jpg\|~~Inbetween the walls~~		File:ConstitutionFt 32.jpg\|Gap Between Walls
	File:ConstitutionFt 29.jpg\|1709 ~~stonework~~		File:ConstitutionFt 29.jpg\|1709 Wall Ruins
	File:ConstitutionFt 25.jpg\|Remaining 1808 Magazine		File:ConstitutionFt 25.jpg\|Remaining 1808 Magazine
	File:ConstitutionFt 36.jpg\|Walbach Tower ruins		File:ConstitutionFt 36.jpg\|Walbach Tower ruins
	~~File:ConstitutionFt 21.jpg~~		File:ConstitutionFt 20.jpg\|Sentry Room
	File:ConstitutionFt 20.jpg\|Sentry ~~room~~		File:ConstitutionFt 19.jpg\|1974 Gate Mechanism
	File:ConstitutionFt 19.jpg\|1974 ~~gate mechanisim~~		File:ConstitutionFt 17.jpg\|Main Gate
	~~File:ConstitutionFt 18.jpg\|Bastion with 1943 CRF~~
	File:ConstitutionFt 17.jpg\|Main ~~gate~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

	== Civil War ==		== Civil War ==
	In 1862 construction began on a massive granite Third-System fort that would be built where the 1808 work was. One tier of the planned four tier fort was partially completed. In 1867 all work ceased. Weapons were in fact mounted on this incomplete work which can be seen in some old photographs. <gallery>		In 1862 construction began on a massive granite Third-System fort that would be built where the 1808 work was. One tier of the planned four tier fort was partially completed. In 1867 all work ceased. Weapons were in fact mounted on this incomplete work which can be seen in some old photographs. <gallery mode="nolines">
	File:ConstitutionFt 07.jpg\|~~Front~~		File:ConstitutionFt 07.jpg\|Seaward View
	File:ConstitutionFt 09.jpg\|View from atop the lighthouse		File:ConstitutionFt 09.jpg\|View from atop the lighthouse
	File:ConstitutionFt 06.jpg\|Remaining casements		File:ConstitutionFt 06.jpg\|Remaining casements
	File:ConstitutionFt 05.jpg		File:ConstitutionFt 05.jpg\|Casement
	File:ConstitutionFt 04.jpg\|1938 Stone wall made with leftover granite		File:ConstitutionFt 04.jpg\|1938 Stone wall made with leftover granite
	File:ConstitutionFt 02.jpg\|Incomplete ~~casement~~		File:ConstitutionFt 02.jpg\|Incomplete Casement
	File:ConstitutionFt 33.jpg\|Parade		File:ConstitutionFt 33.jpg\|Parade Ground
	File:ConstitutionFt 34.jpg\|Incomplete casements		File:ConstitutionFt 34.jpg\|Incomplete casements
	</gallery>		</gallery>
Line 51:		Line 49:

	== Battery Hackleman ==		== Battery Hackleman ==
	Battery Hackleman was constructed in 1904 with two 3-inch Pedestal guns. This structure is essentially identical to the ones at [[Fort Foster]] and [[Fort Stark]] minus the 1920 CRF station. In 1920 an open aired CRF Station was built on the old bastion near the battery. This would later be replaced in 1942 with a fully enclosed station. The guns from the battery would be removed and sent to Fishers Island in New York. They would be replaced by Battery Lytle's guns from [[Fort Stark]]. During WWII this battery would be designated Battery #4 on defense charts.<gallery>		Battery Hackleman was constructed in 1904 with two 3-inch Pedestal guns. This structure is essentially identical to the ones at [[Fort Foster]] and [[Fort Stark]] minus the 1920 CRF station. In 1920 an open aired CRF Station was built on the old bastion near the battery. This would later be replaced in 1942 with a fully enclosed station. The guns from the battery would be removed and sent to Fishers Island in New York. They would be replaced by Battery Lytle's guns from [[Fort Stark]]. During WWII this battery would be designated Battery #4 on defense charts.<gallery mode="nolines">
	File:Hackleman.jpg\|Hackleman plan		File:Hackleman.jpg\|Hackleman plan
	File:ConstitutionFt 31.jpg\|1943 CRF		File:ConstitutionFt 31.jpg\|1943 CRF
	~~File:ConstitutionFt 24.jpg~~		File:ConstitutionFt 18.jpg\|CRF From Bastion
	File:ConstitutionFt 18.jpg\|~~View from bastion~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 3 March 2024
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	== Battery Farnsworth ==		== Battery Farnsworth ==
	Battery Farnsworth was constructed in 1897 and used during the Spanish American War, the battery was not complete until 1899. This battery had two 8-inch Disappearing Rifles. No electricity was added, and the shell hoists were hand operated. Because this was such an early battery it was made with Rosendale cement which does not work well with water. The structure had a dampness issue from the beginning, and by 1917 the battery was unusable. The battery would serve out its life as storage for mine cabling. In 1921 a centralized power station was built at the traverse of the battery. In 1938 plans were put in place to add a searchlight emplacement but no advances were made on this idea. <gallery>		Battery Farnsworth was constructed in 1897 and used during the Spanish American War, the battery was not complete until 1899. This battery had two 8-inch Disappearing Rifles. No electricity was added, and the shell hoists were hand operated. Because this was such an early battery it was made with Rosendale cement which does not work well with water. The structure had a dampness issue from the beginning, and by 1917 the battery was unusable. The battery would serve out its life as storage for mine cabling. In 1921 a centralized power station was built at the traverse of the battery. In 1938 plans were put in place to add a searchlight emplacement but no advances were made on this idea. <gallery>
	File:ConstitutionFt 12.jpg\|~~Emp~~ #2		File:ConstitutionFt 12.jpg\|Emplacement #1
	File:ConstitutionFt 39.jpg\|~~Emp #1 with mine tower~~		File:ConstitutionFt 39.jpg\|Mine OP
	File:ConstitutionFt 13.jpg\|Central ~~traverse~~		File:ConstitutionFt 13.jpg\|Central Traverse
	File:CONSTITUTION 22.jpg\|~~exposed~~ area ~~where powerplant was built~~		File:CONSTITUTION 22.jpg\|Exposed area in traverse
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 19.jpg\|Emp #1 Gallery~~
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 18.jpg\|Emp #1 Magazine~~
	File:CONSTITUTION 23.jpg\|Emp #1 Steps		File:CONSTITUTION 23.jpg\|Emp #1 Steps
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 16.jpg\|Emp #1~~
	File:CONSTITUTION 04.jpg		File:CONSTITUTION 04.jpg
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 20.jpg\|Powerplant Switchboard~~
	~~File:CONSTITUTION 21.jpg\|Powerplant window~~
	File:Const (1) 02.jpg\|1921 Plan		File:Const (1) 02.jpg\|1921 Plan
	</gallery>		</gallery>