Fort Antes

Fort Antes was a fortification built in 1777 on a plateau east of Antes Creek with strategic views over the West Branch Susquehanna River. The structure featured wooden walls designed to provide protection for the surrounding settlement.

Colonel John Henry Antes constructed this fortification in 1777 to shield local settlers from British and Native American attacks during the Revolutionary War. Though subjected to multiple assaults in 1778, it remained one of few structures in the valley to survive that turbulent period.

The site served as a meeting place for the Fair Play Men, settlers who created their own governing system in unsettled lands. They gathered here to discuss matters affecting their community and make decisions about their shared interests.

The remains are located roughly 3.5 kilometers from Jersey Shore and marked by a historical sign in an open field. The site is accessible and provides basic orientation for visitors interested in Revolutionary War period structures in the region.

The fort endured numerous sieges in 1778 while many other settlements in the region were evacuated and abandoned. This resilience made it a crucial refuge for people who chose to remain during that unstable time.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 41.19110,-77.23860

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:40