Support the Fort (Sewall)

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Preserving Fort Sewall – A Centennial Campaign Established in 1644, Marblehead’s Fort Sewall is one of the oldest English coastal fortifications in the United States, and is the second most visited spot in town according to surveys, with over 50,000 annual visits by residents and visitors. Known for many years as the Marblehead Fort or the Fort on Gale’s Head, it was renamed in 1800 to honor Marblehead’s Samuel Sewall, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Chief Justice.

The Fort’s greatest historical moment was probably Sunday April 3, 1814 when the U.S.S. Constitution, being chased by two British frigates, escaped into Marblehead Harbor under the protection of the fort’s guns. Two Marblehead crewmen piloted the Constitution between Marblehead Rock and Marblehead Neck – thus escaping the British warships that lacked charts for the harbor’s underwater rock outcroppings. (more…)

Fort Sewall now open to the public

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I walked around Fort Sewall yesterday and saw the tremendous work done under the leadership of Larry Sands and the Fort Sewall Oversight Committee.

Fort Sewall

Click here to read an article in the Reporter about the restoration project.

One thing that has not changed is the spectacular view. (more…)