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Free Traveling Guides » States » Mississippi » Destinations Fort Massachusetts
A site of national historic importance, Fort Massachusetts is situated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Subsequent to the War of 1812, the need for a fort in the strategic deep harbor location of Ship Island was felt. Though officially set up in 1852, it was only in 1866 that construction of Fort Massachusetts was completed in full. Initially an important part of the American coastal defense system, Fort Massachusetts being a masonry fort, became vulnerable post-civil war as the powerful rifled cannon that could easily damage mortar constructions was developed. Operational until 1903 the Fort today preserves the past and is part of the popular tourist destination - Gulf Islands National Seashore.
On account of its location, right on the shoreline, Fort Massachusetts faced severe erosion. Restoration work was taken up first in 1960 and in line with these efforts a sandy beach was eventually put up to prevent the salty water from touching the fort walls. The latest restoration endeavor was in the year 2001 to reset the brick walls.
Fort Massachusetts has a single entrance, called sally port, an observation area, a spiral granite staircase, a coal-fired kiln to heat cannonballs, casemates, guardrooms, 15-inch Rodmans Cannon and half bastions among others. The construction of Fort shows the craftsmanship of the builders and the strategic planning and forethought of the engineers.
Maintained by the National Park Service, Fort Massachusetts has all amenities in place to make tourists trip comfortable and educative.
- Address: 3500 Park Road,
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
- Telephone: (228) 875-9057
- Website: www.nps.gov/guis
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