Fort Augusta

Fort Augusta Museum is a military museum in Sunbury that houses artifacts from the colonial stronghold. The collection includes two preserved cannons, a powder magazine, a well from the original fort, and a reconstructed model of the entire structure displayed at the entrance since 2013.

Colonel William Clapham built the fort in 1756 as the largest British provincial fortification in Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. It was constructed to protect the rapidly growing European settlements in the region.

The site was once part of Shamokin, a Native American settlement that occupied the area between the river and surrounding ridges. Visitors can sense how this location held importance long before European arrival.

The museum is maintained by the Northumberland County Historical Society and offers visitor parking with easy access to the exhibits. The location sits near the river, so sturdy shoes are helpful and muddy conditions can occur during wet weather.

The strategic location at the crossing of wilderness trails and waterways made hostile attacks exceptionally difficult. This advantageous position created a zone of relative peace where surrounding territories could develop safely during an otherwise turbulent era.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.87570,-76.79200

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45