Fort Andross, Military fortification in Brunswick, Maine, United States
Fort Andross is a fortification built with wood and stone that stands on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Brunswick and dates from the late 1600s. Today the building functions as a commercial center with offices, shops, and spaces for community events.
The fort was established in 1688 under Governor Edmund Andros to protect settlements from attacks during colonial conflicts. In the 1800s it was converted into a cotton mill, marking the shift from military purpose to industrial manufacturing that defined New England's development.
The building reflects how New England shifted from military defense to factory production, and visitors today can see this transformation through the different spaces within the structure. The transition shaped how communities here developed and what work meant to generations of people living nearby.
The building sits along the river and is easy to reach from Brunswick's downtown area. Visitors should know that much of the space is occupied by offices and shops with their own separate hours and operations.
A mural titled 'Many Stitches Hold Up the Sky' covers the south side of the structure and depicts eight distinct cultural groups from the area. This artwork adds a contemporary layer to a site otherwise anchored in the past.
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