Bernardston in Franklin County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Burke Fort
1630 - 1930
Photographed By Russell C. Bixby, July 27, 2012
1. Burke Fort
Six rods easterly stood Burke Fort the first and largest, and also the first building in Fall Town. Built in 1738/39 by John Burke it was six rods square and contained eight houses. Fifty persons took shelter here during the old French and Indian War.
Erected 1930 by Massachusetts Bay Colony-Tercentenary Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War, French and Indian. In addition, it is included in the Massachusetts Bay Colony—Tercentenary Commission Markers series list.
Location. 42° 41.572′ N, 72° 32.97′ W. Marker is in Bernardston, Massachusetts, in Franklin County. Marker is on Bernardston Road (U.S. 5), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bernardston MA 01337, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Deacon Ebenezer Sheldon's Fort (approx. 1.2 miles away); Connable Fort (approx. 1.4 miles away); Bernardston Veterans Monument (approx. 1˝ miles away); Lieut. Ebenezer Sheldon's Fort (approx. 2.4 miles away); King Philip's Hill (approx. 3.8 miles away); Pond Road Chapel (approx.
this page online
Regarding Burke Fort. This marker was placed at the site of one the forts established by Governor William Shirley, along the northern border of Massachusetts, as a defense against the French and their Indian allies. Construction of these forts or fortified houses immediately preceded the French & Indian War (1754-1763).
These frontier fortifications of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were the subject of a 2006 publication titled The Line of Forts (Historical Archaeology on the Colonial Frontier of Massachusetts) by Michael D. Coe.
(Submitted on July 6, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts.)
Also see . . . Tercentenary Commission Markers. Internet Archive entry:
Original 1930 publication by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Tercentenary Commission Markers, commemorating the three hundredth anniversary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (Submitted on May 21, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts.)
Photographed By Russell C. Bixby
2. Burke Fort from Route 5- Brattleboro Road (South)
Additional commentary.
1. Marker Restoration
Burke Fort marker in restoration by Bernardston Board of Selectmen- October 2011
— Submitted October 13, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts.
Photographed By Robert J. Briere, September 23, 2005
3. Burke Fort Marker
The marker prior to restoration.
Photographed By Russell C. Bixby, October 12, 2011
4. Burke Fort Marker
Marker in the process of restoration.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 1,481 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on October 13, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2012, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts. 3. submitted on May 20, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts. 4. submitted on October 13, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
