Fort Popham State Historic Site — Attraction in Phippsburg

March 5, 2022 - Not much action at Fort Popham during the Civil War ( 1861 to 1865).

If you want some action, follow Maine’s Joshua Chamberlain south to Pennsylvania at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863!

Alas, money was spent on the construction of Fort Popham in 1862, but the war ended before this fort was completed. Now the remains “guard” the mouth of the Kennebec River, offering feigned protection of the shipyards upstream ( Bath Iron Works).

I’d rate this a 4.3 . . . it’s a scenic picnic & small beach area in the summer. Limited parking, sometimes the fort gate is locked, kids like to play hide & seek inside ( when gate is unlocked). Not much to see, no visitor’s center.

You follow Rt. 209 to the END ! You’ll drive past Popham State Park & Beach (excellent, see my review) , and then you see a sign for Fort Baldwin (see my review), as the road turns to the right, into a small village with a church, library, and Spinny’s restaurant ( I believe is closed). . . finally arriving at a cul-de-sac with Fort Popham & *Old Wharf ( with lobster traps).

*Captain Ethan would operate a Seguin Island Lighthouse ferry during summer prior to Covid ! Great way to see the lighthouse ( see my review)!

Fun Facts

1607 George Popham starts Popham Colony

1609 Popham Colony can’t make it . . .

1659 John Parker settles Phippsburg area

Maine has 25 Forts around the state

Maine has over 65 Lighthouses

Maine has over 5,000 miles of shoreline

1969 Fort Popham added to...

Fort Popham offers a great spot for family adventures. Whether you explore the historic fort, no entrance fee, or try some fishing when they are running, or watch the seals in the late spring as the float and fish in along the beach. These are just some of the opportunities offered here.

There are a few picnic tables near the fort, an outhouse that is to be avoided if possible! If you walk far enough down the beach you have great views of two light houses as well as a sand bar at low tide!

This is not to be confused by Popham Beach State Park, which does have an entrance fee and offers great swimming and a sand bar as well! Swimming on the Fort end is not recommended as the beach drops off quickly, in places, and current can be bad, especially...

Awesome architecture! Fort Popham from my first introduction has been and continues to be a favorite. What those men and women, because women were a necessary part, accomplished is phenomenal. They didn't have cranes or power tools. They had grit, fortitude and an obvious need for protection. I think if you take the time to look at the building and all of the nuances you will understand. The one inch polished lip around each and every piece of granite so they fit together perfectly for example. And don't forget, this is one of many Forts along Maine's coast. Stop in for a quick vist but make sure you have plenty of time. When the awe hits and you rush yourself back in time trying to figure how all this was accomplished, you'll be...