Fort Constitution

Added bonus when you visit Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. It is located next to the lighthouse and Coast Guard station. A great place to take pictures of the river and bay. It is free.

A fort
that’s been
here forever
They are seven forts that grace Portsmouth Harbor which signifies it’s extremely strategic location. The one that is now Fort Constitution was first built way back in 1631. Just a small, primitive fort that originally had small earthen walls and only four guns.
Over the years the fort was strengthened and improved and was called Fort William and Mary when the British controlled it back in the 18^th century. After the War of Independence the Americans renamed the old place Fort Constitution and it has retained that name ever since.
The fort continued to expand and improve as the new gun technology grew. Most of the walls that can presently be seen date back to about 1808 but the fort was also used and renovated in the Spanish American, Civil War and even in World War one and Two.
The venerable old fort was finally put on the historic register in 1973 and has since serve as a park and historic monument. It retains it’s great views of the harbor and lighthouses and is open during the summer months free of charge.
This is a very informal tour and no docents were around when we were there but plaques give interesting information about certain parts. You pretty much just walk in and look or climb abound anywhere you want. That’s is one of the cool things about visiting this fort, there are few fences or restricted areas and it’s fun climbing the walls or slithering into the tight spaces.
I suppose it could be dangerous if someone is a totally idiot and falls off one of the high points but this lack of restrictions also makes the fort a lot more fun than some of the more famous but highly regulated other forts where someone is always ready to yell at you to get down or stay off something.
The fort is a bit difficult to find because of the surprising lack of signs and the parking can be tough when the area is crowded but with a bit of perseverance something always can be found if you don’t mind walking a bit. It isn’t the largest or most impressive fort around but it certainly is a fun and edifying place to visit. Especially with the Portsmouth Lighthouse right next door.