Fort Baldwin State Historic Site

Fort Baldwin was built on 38 acres in Phippsburg, Maine, by the mouth of the Kennebec River. Constructed right after the turn of the 20th century, from 1905 to 1912, it is made of concrete. Fort Baldwin holds great interest for war historians and anyone else interested in American history, and its significant role in two World Wars makes this fortification a must-see for Maine visitors. Fort Baldwin is an interesting spot that is over looked by many people because it's more hidden than many other forts in the state.

Named for the Colonial army engineer Jeduthan Baldwin, Fort Baldwin was a coastal defense land battery during the American Revolution. It consisted of three batteries: Cogan with two three-inch guns, Hawley with two six-inch pedestal guns, and Hardman with one six-inch pedestal gun. During WWI, Fort Baldwin and Fort Popham (whose construction began in 1862) held a garrison of 200 soldiers from the 13th and 29th Coast Artillery. All three batteries were removed in 1924. 

Fort Baldwin was reactivated during WWII as an observatory. The 8th Coast Artillery manned the fort from 1941 to 1943 to keep watch for German boats. It may not be pretty, but like the other forts in Maine, Fort Baldwin has a fascinating tale to tell.