Fort McClary | Southern NH

Fort McClary is a historic military site located in Kittery, Maine, near the mouth of the Piscataqua River and just across the river from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Although technically in Maine, it is often visited in conjunction with New Hampshire seacoast attractions due to its proximity. The fort is known for its 19th-century coastal defense structures, scenic views, and preserved historic architecture, providing insight into America’s coastal fortifications and military history.

Geography and Landscape

Fort McClary occupies a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Piscataqua River, with views of shipping channels, islands, and New Hampshire’s Portsmouth shoreline. Key landscape features include:

Granite and Stone Fortifications: The fort contains historic walls, gun emplacements, and ramparts built from local stone and concrete.

Open Lawns and Grounds: Areas between fortifications offer walking paths, picnic spaces, and unobstructed views of the river and ocean.

Rocky Shoreline: Natural coastal features provide a dramatic setting, including tide pools, rocky outcrops, and intertidal zones.

Historical Significance

Fort McClary has a long history as a coastal defense installation:

Colonial Era and Early America: Originally fortified in the 17th and 18th centuries to protect Portsmouth Harbor from naval threats.

19th Century Modernization: Rebuilt with granite walls and improved artillery emplacements as part of the Third System of U.S. coastal fortifications.

Civil War and Later Military Use: Fort McClary served as a defensive position during the Civil War and was upgraded for coastal defense into the early 20th century.

Preservation: Today, the fort’s walls, gun emplacements, and observation points are preserved as a public historic site, offering insight into military engineering and coastal defense strategy.

Recreational and Educational Opportunities

Fort McClary offers a combination of historical exploration and coastal recreation:

Walking Tours: Visitors can explore the fort’s ramparts, gun emplacements, and observation areas while reading interpretive signage detailing the fort’s history.

Scenic Views: Elevated positions provide panoramic views of the Piscataqua River, Atlantic Ocean, and nearby coastal towns.

Picnicking and Outdoor Relaxation: Open lawn areas provide space for casual picnics or quiet reflection.

Photography: The combination of historic stonework, ocean vistas, and nearby islands makes it a popular spot for photography.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation: Coastal birds, waterfowl, and occasional marine wildlife are visible from the fort grounds.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Migratory birds return, and mild weather makes exploration pleasant. The coastal landscape becomes vibrant with early wildflowers and greenery.

Summer: Warm weather brings clear views of the harbor and ocean, making it ideal for outdoor tours and picnics.

Autumn: Fall foliage adds color to the surrounding trees and coastal landscape, enhancing the visual appeal of the historic site.

Winter: The fort takes on a rugged, windswept character, with ocean storms and snow-dusted walls creating dramatic scenery.

Visitor Experience

Visiting Fort McClary provides a blend of history, coastal scenery, and outdoor exploration. Walking along the stone walls and gun emplacements allows visitors to imagine the fort’s role in protecting Portsmouth Harbor across centuries. The combination of historical interpretation and scenic vistas creates a layered experience that appeals to history enthusiasts, photographers, and casual visitors alike.

Its location near the New Hampshire-Maine border makes Fort McClary a convenient addition to trips exploring Strawbery Banke, Fort Constitution, and the Portsmouth seacoast, connecting historical sites with scenic coastal landscapes.

Fort McClary exemplifies New England’s coastal defense heritage, combining preserved military structures, panoramic ocean views, and accessible grounds into a compelling historic and recreational destination.