Pittsfield in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Fort Wilkins

c 1836

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Fort Wilkins Marker

Inscription. The first stove and tin shop in Pittsfield was located here c. 1836. The building was acquired by the infamous “Dr.” G.G. Wilkins in 1866 and became known as Ft. Wilkins. Here he sold firearms and animal pelts, practiced tooth filling and extractions as an adjunct to barbering and hair dressing, and kept an eating house and saloon. Out front he kept a caged bear and in his spare time counter stamped thousands of coins which are collectors items today. He was twice convicted of illegally selling liquor, but discharged in a notorious case for allegedly hiring a man to burn the barn of A.J. Sherburne.

Erected 1999 by Pittsfield Historical Society. (Marker Number 17.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, Pittsfield Historical Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 43° 18.322′ N, 71° 19.699′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It is on Main Street west of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26A Main St, Pittsfield NH 03263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker: Congregational Church (here, next to this marker); Union Block (within shouting distance of this marker); John Berry Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); Tuttle Block (within shouting distance of this marker); John Berry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonathan “Jocky” Fogg, Patriot (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Engine House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsfield.

Also see . . .
1. The Strange Career of Dr. Wilkins. This numismatics book focuses heavily on Wilkins' copious counter stamping career, but also includes contemporary newspaper accounts of his legal troubles and, in the words of one publication, his "degraded life and licentious crimes unequalled by an Italian bandit." (Q. David Bowers, 1987; via Internet Archive) (Submitted on November 16, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Pittsfield Historical Trail (PDF). Historical guide for a 1.5-mile loop trail developed by the Pittsfield Historical Society. The trail stops at three dozen historical sites that were typical of New England communities more than a century ago: homes, churches, schools,

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Fort Wilkins Marker

industrial and commercial buildings as well as dams and bridges. (Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.