Fort Point State Park

Fort Point State Park
Maine State Park
280px Fort Point Light
Country	United States
State	Maine
County	Waldo
Town	Stockton Springs
Elevation	33 ft (10 m)
Coordinates
Area	156 acres (63 ha)
Established	1974
Management	Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Location in Maine
Website: Fort Point State Park

Fort Point State Park is a publicly owned recreation area overlooking Penobscot Bay from the easternmost tip of Cape Jellison in the town of Stockton Springs, Maine. The state park features the Fort Point Light and includes the remnants of the site of historic Fort Pownall.The park was opened in 1974 and offers hiking trails, picnicking, and fishing.

History

The area was settled by English colonists in 1759 when Governor of Massachusetts Thomas Pownall brought in 400 men under the command of Jedidiah Preble to build Fort Pownall during the French and Indian War. The fort, which was meant to strategically protect English interests in the Penobscot River area, saw no action during the war. In 1775, after the British seized the fort's guns in the Burning of Falmouth, rebellious colonists destroyed the blockhouse and filled in its moat to keep it from faliing into British hands. In 1872, a 200-room luxury hotel was constructed on the site with the aim of attracting wealthy guests who would arrive mostly via steamboat. The hotel was not a success and burned down in 1898.

External links

• Fort Point State Park Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry