12 Forgotten Fortresses: Rediscovering America's Hidden Colonial Defenses

7. Fort Mose, Florida

Just north of St. Augustine, Fort Mose stands as a monument to freedom and resilience. Established by the Spanish in 1738, it became the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Enslaved Africans who escaped British colonies found sanctuary here, forging a vibrant community and defending the outpost alongside Spanish forces. Despite its profound impact on African American history, Fort Mose remains overshadowed by more famous southern forts. Discover Fort Mose’s overlooked legacy.

8. Fort St. Joseph, Michigan

Along the banks of the St. Joseph River, Fort St. Joseph served as a vital link in the French fur trade network near present-day Niles. Over the decades, it shifted hands between French, British, and even Spanish forces, reflecting a truly multi-national history. Ongoing archaeological excavations continue to unearth artifacts that illuminate the daily lives and shifting allegiances of its diverse inhabitants. These discoveries are gradually restoring Fort St. Joseph’s place among America’s most intriguing, yet often forgotten, colonial fortifications.

9. Fort Loudoun, Tennessee

Deep in the Appalachian foothills, Fort Loudoun embodied British colonial ambitions and fragile alliances with the Cherokee Nation. Built in the 1750s, the fort was a key outpost for diplomacy and defense, but shifting loyalties led to its dramatic siege and destruction. Today, the site has been meticulously reconstructed, offering visitors a tangible sense of frontier life and conflict. Through interactive educational programs and living history events, Fort Loudoun continues to share its complex story with new generations.

10. Fort Sewall, Massachusetts

Overlooking Marblehead Harbor, Fort Sewall quietly protected the Massachusetts coast during both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Though less renowned than other colonial defenses, its sturdy earthworks and steadfast garrison played a vital role in warding off enemy ships. Today, Fort Sewall endures as a beautifully maintained historic park, inviting visitors to stroll its ramparts and imagine the tense moments when America’s independence truly hung in the balance.

11. Fort Michilimackinac, Michigan

At the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Fort Michilimackinac thrived as a center of the French—and later British—fur trade. Its strategic location at the Straits of Mackinac gave it immense influence over commerce and alliances in the Great Lakes region. Archaeological efforts have meticulously reconstructed the wooden palisades and historic buildings, bringing the bustling colonial settlement to life for modern visitors. Much like Fort St. Joseph, Michilimackinac’s layered history reveals the rich tapestry of cultures and ambitions that shaped early America. Explore more about Fort Michilimackinac.

12. Fort Christina, Delaware

Tucked away in present-day Wilmington, Fort Christina marks the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. Founded in 1638, it served as a foothold for the Swedes before passing into Dutch, then British, hands—reflecting the region’s ever-shifting colonial landscape. While its early role in European settlement is often overshadowed, commemorative monuments and preservation efforts keep its legacy alive. Fort Christina’s story is a reminder of the diverse origins that shaped America’s earliest colonies, even if its name rarely graces history books.

Conclusion

These forgotten fortresses once stood at the heart of colonial ambition, conflict, and cooperation, silently shaping the land we know today. Rediscovering their stories reveals a tapestry of cultures, struggles, and ingenuity that deserve far greater recognition. As living links to our nation’s earliest days, these sites invite us to walk their ramparts, honor their legacies, and support their preservation. Let’s embrace the opportunity to explore, protect, and share these hidden strongholds—ensuring their lessons endure for generations to come.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }