Rockport in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Old Stone Fort

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 25, 2010

1. Old Stone Fort Marker

Inscription. Site of fort erected by public subscription as a protection againat British warships during the War of 1812, captured in a sneak attack and dismantled by frigate Nymphe. Ammunition gone, all nine seafencibles taken prisoner, the townsmen hurled rocks, using their stockings as slings.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 42° 39.643′ N, 70° 36.854′ W. Marker is in Rockport, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It is at the intersection of Bear Skin Neck and Tuna Wharf, on the right when traveling north on Bear Skin Neck. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rockport MA 01966, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ Cape Ann,

on the North Shore,

in Greater Boston,

and in the Merrimack Valley.

It is also 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

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one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Straitsmouth Island (a few steps from this marker); Cannon from the U.S.S. Constitution (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Town Wharves (about 800 feet away); Bear Skin Neck (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rockport World War I & II Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Harvey Park (approx. ¼ mile away); First Congregational Church of Rockport Steeple Rehabilitation (approx. 0.3 miles away); The First Settlers of Sandy Bay (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockport.

Regarding Old Stone Fort. The Sea Fencibles were the Sandy Bay Militia, a locally-sponsored home guard for coastal defense established during the War of 1812.
On July 26, 1813, during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, the United States Congress passed "An act to authorize the raising [of] a Corps of Sea Fencibles ... not to exceed one year [service], and not to exceed ten companies who may employed for the defense of the ports and harbors of the United States..."

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 25, 2010

2. Old Stone Fort Marker

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 25, 2010

3. Old Stone Fort Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 2,206 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.