Penobscot Bridge & Observatory, Fort Knox and Lighthouses

 6/29/21

A beautiful day for a drive to Penobscot Bridge and Observatory and Fort Knox. Except for the heat, temps are still in the high 80’s here and we are melting, along with everyone else.

We visited the bridge and fort when we were here in 2018 and leading the Maritime Caravan, so we were familiar with it, but Rick and Jennifer hadn’t been here. It is a must see if you are ever in the area!

The Penobscot Bridge from a distance

The Observation Tower

Views from the tower of the Penobscot River Valley

Fort Knox State Historic Site is located in the town of Prospect, ME on the western bank of the Penobscot River. Construction of the fort began in 1844 and ended in 1869 when congress finally ceased to fund it. It was the first fort in Maine to be built entirely of granite, Although recruits of the Civil War were garrisoned at the fort, the fort itself never saw action.

 In 1923, the federal government declared the fort excess property and put its 125 acre grounds up for sale. The state of Maine bought it for $2121.

Quite elaborate for never seeing any action.

Underground storage

The central parade grounds, completely surrounded by the fort.

On the way home, Phil found two more lighthouses to visit, Dyce Head Light and Fort Point Light.

Dyce Head Light

Notice that this one is all stone, very plentiful here. We have seen lots of farms with rock walls collected from the pastures.

Down the road a piece

Further down the road Phil finds the Highlander Woodburner

Phil and Rick were drooling over this!!

Further still down the road...the tin man and the pink pig mail box

The rocks were the foundation

Fort Point Light

The bell tower

Light and Keepers house

A last look at Fort Pownall.