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Fort O'Brien
Machiasport, Maine

Home > Places to Visit > Historic Forts > Fort O'Brien

Fort O'Brien is located in Machiasport, Maine overlooks the Machias Bay.  It is adjacent to the Fort O'Brien School and has nice greens for picnics and a wonderful view of Machias Bay.  The fort was active during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

View from Fort O'Brien - looking east across Machias Bay

Revolutionary War.  The fort was first built in 1775 and consisted of small breastworks to guard the mouth of the Machias River.  The first naval engagement of the Revolutionary War was fought just offshore the fort five days before the Battle of Bunker Hill.  The British would later destroy the fort in the same year when it sent four ships into the Machias Bay.  The fort was rebuilt again in 1777 and was named Fort O'Brien in 1781 - in honor of Captain Jeremiah O'Brien - a revolutionary war hero from Machias, Maine.

War of 1812.  In 1808-1809 a blockhouse, barracks, and battery were constructed.  During this time period there was a four-gun crescent-shaped earthwork established.  In 1814 the British captured the fort and destroyed the barracks.

Civil War.  In 1863, some earthworks were put in and a battery of five guns emplaced adjacent to the ruins of Fort O'Brien.  However, this fort saw no action during the Civil War.  The fort was called Fort Machias during the Civil War.

Earthworks of Fort O'Brien - facing south

Directions and Maps to Fort O'Brien

From East Machias - take Port Road into Machiasport.
From Machias - take Route 92 south.

Google Map of Fort O'Brien

Regional Map of Machias Bay Area.  Chamber of Commerce.

An information kiosk is located on the fort grounds.

Other Web Sites with Information about Fort O'Brien

Maine Department of Conservation.  Web page by the state of Maine provides information on the fort and the cannons that were emplaced.  Much more history is provided as well.

Portland Public Schools.  The web page provides info about the civil war era of Fort O'Brien.

Fort Tour Systems, Inc.  Provides info and a photo about Fort O'Brien.

Maine Historic Sites.  Fort O'Brien.

Historical Notes of Machias and the War of 1812.  USGW Archives.

View from Fort O'Brien - looking northeast across Machias Bay

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News Articles, Documents, and Publications about
Fort O'Brien in Machiasport, Maine

May 22, 2010.  "Margaretta Day to mark naval battle".  Bangor Daily News.

September 25, 2000.  "The Forts of Maine".  By Frederick W. Chesson.

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