Western Massachusetts

Last Update: 27/SEPTEMBER/2007

Compiled by Pete Payette - Š2007 American Forts Network

Chenery's Garrison
(1676), Walpole
A settlers' fort at the end of Foundry Street. Private property. This area was once part of Medfield.

Medfield Garrison Houses
(1676), Medfield
During King Philip's War, there was a garrison at Main and Brook Streets (a new house on site), another on Harding Street (the original timbers were used to build the present house on site), and another at North and Dale Streets (now apartments). One of these, or another, may have been the John Metcalf Garrison.

Millis Blockhouse
(1676), Millis
A stone garrison house located on Route 115 near the Sherborn town line. Indians attacked twice, but unsuccessfully.

Thomas Eames' Garrison
(1676), Framingham
A settlers' fort was once located on Mount Wayte Ave. Attacked by Indians in 1676.

Camp Dalton
(1873 - 1920's), South Framingham
A state National Guard training reservation and arsenal. An earthwork training battery named Fort Dalton (1883) was located here. It was 138 feet long with two flanks, 11 and 16 feet long, and armed with two 10-inch Rodmans and four seige mortars. The post was later used as a state mobilization center for the Spanish-American War (1898), known as Camp McGuinness or Camp Dewey. In 1917 the camp was known as Camp Bartlett. The site is now the State Police headquarters and the state civil defense headquarters (MEMA) on Worcester Road.

Marlborough Garrison Houses
(1676), Marlborough
The town was attacked and then abandoned in 1676. The colonial militia used the town as a military depot throughout King Philip's War. A garrison house (name undetermined) was once located at Hosmer Street at the far eastern end of the Fort Meadow Resevoir (site is now under water). The William Ward Garrison was on Hayden Street (burned after the war), marker on Prospect Street. The Brigham Garrison is still located at Brigham Street and LaRose Drive (heavily modified). Others were the John Johnson Garrison, Thomas (or Joseph) Rice Garrison, and Abraham Williams' Garrison. There may have been others.

Sudbury Garrison Houses
(1676, 1686), Sudbury
During King Philip's War, the Haynes' Garrison (1646) was located on Water Row Road, just north of Old Sudbury Road (Route 27). It was demolished in 1876, the ruins of the foundation (cellar hole) still remain. The Goodenow Garrison was at Old County Road and Boston Post Road (Route 20). It was demolished in 1820. The Parmenter Garrison was built after King Philip's War, and was attacked in 1686. It was located on Garrison House Lane. The Brown Garrison (1660) was also attacked during King William's War. It was located at Nobscot and Dudley Roads in South Sudbury, demolished in 1855. There were several other garrison houses, including John Woods' Garrison, but no trace remains of any of them.

Groton Garrison Houses
(1676, 1694), Groton
The town was abandoned after an Indian attack in 1676. Located here at that time were Capt. James Parker's Garrison on Main Street between the Town Hall and Court Street; Nutting's Garrison at Court and Main Streets (destroyed, now a drugstore on site); Willard's Garrison on Main Street (still exists near the Town Hall and the school); another garrison on Main Street; and another garrison located about one mile away (exact location unknown). In 1694 the town was attacked again. There were eight garrison houses located here at that time. The town was attacked a third time in 1697.

Fort Devens (State Military Reservation)
(1917 - 1996/present), Ayer
A National Army cantonment training encampment and demobilization center for the 76th Division. Originally named Camp Devens until 1931. Became a Citizen's Military Training Corps (CMTC), Army Reserve, and National Guard training area after 1921. Most of the original buildings were removed by 1926, however eight structures still exist today. Rebuilt as a training camp in 1931, and also used by the CCC until 1939. Enlarged in 1940 for WWII training purposes. A German POW camp was built 1944 - 1946. Closed in 1996, however a portion is still in use by the Army Reserve and National Guard. The rest of the reservation is now the Devens Commerce Center.

Lancaster Garrison Houses
(1676, 1697), Lancaster and South Lancaster
Only 15 militia soldiers protected this town in 1676. The Rev. Joseph Rowlandson Garrison was destroyed in the attack. It was located at Main Street and Whitcomb Drive, now the grounds of Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster. A marker is nearby. The Stevens' Garrison was at Center Bridge Road near Neck Road. The Sawyer Garrison was at Main and Prescott Streets. There were three other garrison houses at this time. The Roper Garrison was attacked in 1697 during King William's War. It was located at George Hill Road and Langden Road in South Lancaster.

Westminster Forts
(1744), Westminster
Ten houses were stockaded during King George's War.

Wachusett
(1676 - 1677), Princeton
A fortified Nipmuc Indian winter camp during King Philip's War.

Boylston Fort
(1720 - unknown), West Boylston
A town stockaded blockhouse that stood until about 1790. Located near Worcester Street.

Worcester Civil War Camps
(1861, 1862), Worcester
Located here were Camp Lincoln (1861), Camp Scott (1861) at Cambridge and Camp Streets, and Camp Wool (1862) at the Agricultural Fairgrounds.

Huguenot Fort
(1687 - unknown), Oxford
A French Huguenot settlement located on Fort Hill. The fort was a quadrangular log and palisade complex with two blockhouses and two bastions. The settlement was destroyed by Indians in 1694, and it was not resettled until 1713. A monument was built in 1884.

Camp Hill
(1799 - 1800), Oxford
A Federal encampment site. A stone marker is on the site (on Federal Hill ?).

Brookfield Garrison Houses
(1690's, 1700's, 1720's), Brookfield
More than one dozen garrison houses were built in the area during several periods of conflict. Henry Gilbert's Fort (1688) was located at North Main and Maple Streets. It was the first defense built, and was also in use by the colonial militia. The Quabaug Garrison (location undetermined) was attacked in 1693.

Wekabaug
(1676 - 1677), West Brookfield
A fortified Nipmuc Indian winter camp during King Philip's War, located on the southern end of Wekabaug (Wickaboag) Pond.

John Ayres' Garrison
(1675), West Brookfield
A settlers' fort that withstood a three-day Nipmuc Indian seige in 1675. Located on Foster Hill Road. The settlement, called Quabaug at the time, was later abandoned.

Menameset
(1676 - 1677), Wheelwright
A fortified Nipmuc Indian winter camp during King Philip's War. It was composed of three major villages along the east bank of the Ware River, between Hardwick Road, Wenimisset Brook, and Tanner Airport.

Quabaug Old Fort
(1676 - 1677), Little Rest
A fortified Nipmuc Indian winter camp during King Philip's War. Also known as Ashquoach. It was located on Indian Hill north of Sherman's Pond in Brimfield, near the Warren town line. Site is private property.

King Philip's Stockade
(unknown dates), Longmeadow
A structure not related at all to King Philip and the 1676 war, but still probably Native American in origin. It was named as such in the late 19th-century. It is located outside Forest Park on Route 5.

Springfield Garrison Houses
(1675), Springfield
Located here during King Philip's War were Capt. John Pynchon's Garrison at Main and Fort Streets, Burt's Garrison at Main and Broad Streets, and the (Nathaniel) Ely Tavern Garrison (1665) at Main and Bliss Streets. It was moved in 1843 and demolished in 1900. None remain.
(NOTE: there is also a Fort Pleasant Street in town.)

Fort Hill (2)
(1650 - 1676), Springfield
An Agawam Indian palisaded village was located on Long Hill at Long Hill Street and Sumner Ave. It was excavated in 1895.

Springfield Armory (National Historic Site)
(1794 - 1968), Springfield
President George Washington ordered the creation of this - the nation's first national armory and arsenal. At the time, this was one of only two Federal arsenals; the second one being at Harper's Ferry, VA (now WV). Previously the Continental Army had established an armory here in 1777.

Northampton Garrison Houses
(1676, 1687), Northampton
The village center was stockaded (Northampton Stockade), garrisoned with 300 soldiers. A new town palisade was built in 1687. There were about a dozen or so garrison houses in the area.

Hadley Stockade
(1675 - 1676), Hadley
The village was stockaded in 1675, and was attacked in 1676. The location of a portion of the stockade was excavated in 1990.

Hatfield Garrison Houses
(1675 - 1677), Hatfield
Several garrison houses were attacked by Indians between 1675 and 1677. A stockade was built around the village center in 1676, known as Hatfield Stockade. The town was attacked again in 1697.

Fort Hill (1)
(1664), Deerfield
A Pocumtuck Indian fortified stronghold. Attacked and destroyed by Mohawk Indians in 1664. Site possibly on Pocumtuck Range.

Deerfield Garrison Houses
(unknown dates), Deerfield
There apparently were no recorded garrison houses here before the devastating Indian attack of 1675. About a dozen or so garrison houses were built in the area after the town was resettled. The town was attacked again in 1693, 1694, 1704, and 1709. Later, five garrison houses were reported to have been built/fortified in the 1740's and/or 1750's, including one in Wapping. These were dismantled by 1760.

Greenfield Garrison Houses
(unknown dates), Greenfield
About a dozen or so garrison houses were built in the area.

Ashfield Garrison Houses
(1756 - 1760 ?), Baptist Corner
Ellis' and Phillips' Fort, a two-family settlers' stockaded fort, was located about a half-mile south of town on Bear River Road. Chileab Smith's Fort was located on March Road just north of town. It was 81-square rods enclosed by a 12-foot high palisade, and a center blockhouse. Both were built when the settlers returned three years following an Indian attack. They were dismantled after the war. The town was formerly called Hunt's Town.
(thanks to Jim J. for providing location info)

Northfield Forts and Garrison Houses
(1673 - 1675, 1676 - 1690, 1713 - 1760 ?), Northfield
A log garrison surrounded by a palisade was built in 1673. The town and fort were evacuated in 1675 after the deadly Indian attack on Deerfield. Resettled in 1676. Additional defenses were erected in 1685, 1686, and 1688. The town was attacked in 1688, and destroyed in 1690. Resettled again in 1713. Two forts were built in 1722. Several additional garrison houses were built in 1724 for use by the colonial militia. Nathaniel Dickinson's Fort (1728) was located in East Northfield at Pauchaug Hill, attacked in 1747. The militia forts were dismantled in 1753, but new forts were built in 1754, including Deacon Ebenezer Alexander's Fort, Doolittle's Fort, and Capt. Zechariah Field's Fort. Dickenson's Fort may have also been rebuilt. All had small blockhouses, or "mounts", attached to the stockades. The village was originally called Squakeag. The original town site located at Route 10 and Route 63 at the "Great Meadow".

Fort Burke
(1744 - 1760 ?), Bernardston
Originally a settlers' stockaded blockhouse (built 1738), known as John Burke's Fort. It was six rods square, with a 12-foot high palisade and four watchtowers. It was attacked in 1747 and then dismantled. Rebuilt in 1754 or 1755 as a palisaded complex of eight houses/barracks, it was used as a town refuge. The town was formerly called Fall Town.

Fort Sheldon
(1744 - 1760 ?), Bernardston
Deacon Ebenezer Sheldon Jr.'s fortified garrison house on Huckle Hill. Attacked in 1746. Used by the colonial militia after 1754.
Also located nearby was Lt. Ebenezer Sheldon Sr.'s Fort (1744), a fortified garrison house on the Northfield Road.

Samuel Connable's Fort
(1744 - 1760 ?), North Bernardston
A settlers' fortified garrison house, originally built in 1739. The house was enlarged before the American Revolution, and still existed well after 1900.

Colrain Garrison Houses
(1745 - 1760 ?), Colrain
Fort Lucas (1745), Andrew Lucas' garrison house or blockhouse used by the colonial militia during King George's War. Also used by the colonial militia after 1754.
Fort Morrison (1745), Hugh Morrison's palisaded garrison house, originally built in 1739 or 1740, with a 23-foot high watchtower, also called North Fort. Also used by the colonial militia after 1754. Only a stone marker exists.
Fort Morris (1745), a settlers' palisaded garrison house, also called South Fort. In 1754 about 50 square feet were added to the palisade.
Rev. Alexander McDowell's Fort (1755), a settlers' palisaded garrison house used by the colonial militia.

Charlemont Forts
(1740's - 1760 ?), Charlemont
Hawks' Fort (1754), a settlers' fort located in the west part of town. It consisted of the two houses (built 1750) of Gershom and brother Seth Hawks, facing each other connected by an inner palisade forming a parade, all within an outer palisade, with two watchtowers or sentry boxes in opposite corners. Garrisoned by the colonial militia after 1755.
Capt. Moses Rice's Fort (1743 - 1756), a settlers' garrison house during King George's War, but not manned by the colonial militia at that time. Destroyed by Indians in 1745. House rebuilt in 1748 and palisaded in 1754. It was attacked by Indians in 1755, killing Rice. His son Samuel took over the defense afterwards, but the government refused to furnish troops because of its bad location.
Samuel Rice's Fort (1757), after Moses Rice's fort was dismantled, a stockade was erected around Samuel's house (built 1748), nearby but closer to the river, and was garrisoned by the colonial miltia.
Taylor's Fort (1754), a settlers' fort located in the east part of town. It consisted of the two houses (built 1749) of Othniel and brother Jonathan Taylor, facing each other connected by a 60-by-38-foot inner palisade forming a parade, all within a 140-by-80-foot outer palisade 25 feet out, with two watchtowers or sentry boxes in opposite corners. Garrisoned by the colonial militia after 1755.
(Charlemont info courtesy of Aaron Miller)

Fort Shirley
(1744 - 1754), North Heath
Built by the colonial militia, it was 60 feet square with a 12-foot high palisade, enclosing barracks. Saw no action, and was therefore ordered dismantled in 1754 as badly located for defense. Site located near Hosmer Road, marked with granite monument (1901). Excavated in 1974.

Fort Pelham
(1745 - 1754), Rowe
A colonial militia fort on the northeast side of Pelham Lake. It was a palisaded parallelogram with four watchtowers in each corner, enclosing over an acre, surrounded by a ditch. Saw no action, and was therefore ordered dismantled in 1754 as badly located for defense, but probably still survived (abandoned) until 1758. The original site is now a wooded field (1980's) with a 19th-century stone field wall which incorporates the fort's masonry remnants. Site excavated in 1971-72, and marked with granite monument (1956). An interesting historical sidenote which is now a local legend relates that in 1917 two German spies were found snooping around town looking for a "Fort Pelham" that was still marked in an 1871 edition county atlas !

Fort Massachusetts
(1745 - 1746, 1747 - 1759), North Adams
A stockaded 60-foot square blockhouse on a stone foundation, built by the colonial militia. Attacked and destroyed by the French in 1746, but rebuilt the next year. Attacked again in 1748. Regarrisoned by the colonial militia in 1754. Still stood for several years after it was abandoned. The town was formerly called East Hoosac. A replica stands today. The original site is now a supermarket parking lot.

Fort Hoosac
(1756 - 1760 ?), Williamstown
A stockaded two-gun blockhouse originally called West Hoosac Blockhouse. It was attacked several times. After the French and Indian War, it was used as the town's meetinghouse. A monument marks the spot.

New Framingham Fort
(1754), Lanesborough
A town log fort located between the town cemetery and Stormview Road. It was soon attacked, and the settlers then sought refuge at Fort Anson.

Fort Anson
(1754 - 1759 ?), Pontoosuc
A colonial militia fort also known as Fort at Pontoosuck and Capt. William Williams' Garrison. It was 40-feet by 24-feet with a gambrel roof and four-inch thick plank walls. An eight-foot wide firing platform ran the perimeter of the structure, with a small blockhouse in one corner.

Fort Ashley
(1756 - 1759 ?), Pittsfield
A blockhouse used by the colonial militia. Located on Fort Hill near Onota Lake.
There were also two additional colonial forts built in the area in 1756.

NEED MORE INFO: a Fort Pond near Littleton; a Fort Pond near Fort Devens near Leominster.

Information on the forts and garrison houses during King Philip's War was gathered from "King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotton Conflict" by Eric Schultz and Michael Tougias, 1999, The Countryman Press.

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