PARK
TICKETED:
NO
PARKING:
NO
RESTROOMS:
NO
Some sources state that Fort Allen dates from 1775 and was originally named for Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. It was initially a half-moon battery mounting five guns. After 1794 it may have served as the "detached battery" of nearby Fort Sumner, as described in the Secretary of War's report for 1811.
SITE FEATURES
On this site...
Fort Allen was rebuilt in 1814 with city resources, adding a magazine and barracks due to the British capture of Eastport and Castine in the War of 1812. A plaque at the park states that at this time it was named for Master Commandant William Henry Allen, a naval officer mortally wounded in the War of 1812.
FORT
EST. 1775
FORTIFICATION
BATTLEFIELD
Oct 18, 1775
October 18, 1775, British Royal Navy Captain Henry Mowat bombarded and burned this almost defenseless town for nine hours. Parson Samuel Deane dryly notes in his diary, "The town destroyed: fine day." Memory of this devastating assault endured.
HISTORIC PEOPLE
