Sackets Harbor in Jefferson County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Pike
Defending the Harbor
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
1. Fort Pike Marker
General Pike's Death
This fort was named after General Zebulon Pike, who launched his forces from here to attack York (Toronto). Though the Americans won the battle, General Pike was killed by debris from an exploding magazine. His remains were returned to Sackets Harbor for burial.
Fort Pike was designed to fortify the earlier Fort Volunteer, hastily built in 1812 to defend Sackets Harbor. Its strategic location controlled access to the harbor and was planned as the final refuge from a successful British attack. These fortifications became the nucleus of Madison Barracks, an important 19th century army base.
Caught in a Crossfire
Any vessel trying to enter the inner harbor would be caught in a crossfire between the cannons at Fort Pike and Fort Tompkins.
Sackets Harbor was a chief shipbuilding center, U.S. Navy headquarters, battle site and important army garrison during and after the War of 1812.
Erected by Seaway Trail, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 43° 57.112′
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Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Adirondacks & North Country. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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 the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Volunteer (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Fort Pike (within shouting distance of this marker); War of 1812, Burial Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); War of 1812, Burial Ground Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison Barracks (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Water Tower Observation Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Our Comrades (approx. 0.2 miles away); Semper Fidelis (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sackets Harbor.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
2. Fort Pike Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the death of General Pike, and the text on the illustration indicating that the fort was named in honor of general Pike.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
3. Fort Pike Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the plan view of Fort Pike.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
4. Fort Pike Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the designed defensive crossfire between Fort Pike and Fort Tompkins.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
5. Fort Pike Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing a section through a simple fortification.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
6. Fort Pike Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the front view through a cannon embrasure.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
7. Fort Pike Marker
View of the marker at the extreme eastern end of the old fort's earthworks, with a view of the lake and parts of the Madison Barracks in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
8. Fort Pike Park Marker
View of the related marker that is just to the left of the Fort Pike marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
9. Fort Pike Marker
View of the marker at the extreme eastern end of the old fort's earthworks.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
10. Fort Pike Marker
View of the marker looking westward, along the inner length of the original Fort Pike earthworks.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
11. Fort Pike Marker
A distant view of the marker looking eastward along the inner length of the original Fort Pike earthworks.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
