Fort Popham

Fort Popham is a granite fortification standing at the mouth of the Kennebec River, with two tiers of walls built to accommodate 42 heavy artillery pieces. The massive stone blocks form a defensive structure designed to protect the coastline.

Construction of Fort Popham started in 1861 during the Civil War to protect the shipbuilding industry in Bath. Granite blocks from Fox and Dix Islands were used in the fortification's build.

The fort takes its name from George Popham, an early English settler who established the Popham Colony near this location in the early 1600s. This colonial heritage remains part of the local identity today.

The site is generally open daily from late May through September and displays information panels about military engineering and coastal defense. Walking paths lead through the grounds, making it straightforward to explore the fort.

An officer stationed here later invented a famous soda drink still known in America today. This unexpected connection between military history and a beverage brand is a rarely mentioned part of the site's story.

Location: Phippsburg

Inception: 1857

GPS coordinates: 43.75500,-69.78361

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52