The United States established its military strength even before it became its own country, a legacy that continues to this day. The nation has relied on the defence of its forts throughout its history, from colonial and Revolutionary War times to French and Spanish colonization, westward expansion and the American Civil War.
Here are 5 historic forts to visit in USA
1. Fort McHenry, Maryland
The coastal fort was first built in 1798. During the War of 1812, British warships bombarded the fort, attempting to get access to Baltimore Harbor. The shelling continued until the British emptied their ammo early the next morning. To signal American victory, the small flag flying during the assault was replaced with an oversized flag.
2. The Alamo, Texas
Remarkably, one of the most well-known battles in American history took place in Mission San Antonio de Valero, which was once a Roman Catholic mission instead of a fort. The mission was sanitized in 1793 and then abandoned. It was transformed into a garrisoned fortress in 1803, named “Alamo.”
3. Fort Delaware, Delaware
Fort Delaware is a harbour defence facility situated on Pea Patch Island. The French recognized the location as a key defensive place for the first time in 1794. Although attempts were made to defend the island during the War of 1812, the fort construction did not start until 1817. In 1833, a significant fire caused the United States Army to rebuild again. Finally, the current fort was built between 1848 and 1860.
4. Fort Southwest Point, Tennesse
Tennessee was located far away from the battle in New England during the Revolutionary War. Colonel Arthur Campbell wished to see a fort built in Tennessee at the confluence of the Clinch and Tennessee rivers as early as 1779. The fort took until 1797 to be constructed. It worked as a resting place for settlers who had crossed the Appalachians.
5. Fort Michilimackinac, Michigan
Fort Michilimackinac is located near the northernmost tip of Michigan’s mitten, where the Mackinac Bridge currently connects the upper and lower peninsulas. French fur traders constructed this fort in 1715 and it served as a major hub for trade among Great Lakes merchants. Following the French and Indian War, the French signed over ownership of the fort to the British.
