The Fort Constitution State Historic Site is located in New Castle, New Hampshire. The park is located on the shores of New Castle Island and overlooks the Piscataqua River, the Atlantic Ocean, the Southern points of Maine and the lighthouses at the mouth of the river between NH and Maine.

Fort Constitution (Aka Fort William and Mary) is one of the more interesting historical state parks in New Hampshire. It is said that it is the site of the first victory of the American Revolution led by Captain John Langdon and Major John Sullivan.

There is a lot of old war history at Fort Constitution. You will also find underground tunnels which are still open to the public.

When you get to Fort Constitution, the first thing you'll notice is that it is on gated property by the US Government Department of Homeland Security and there are "No Trespassing" signs. You will also notice that the Coast Guard boat dock is there. It appears to be a restricted area, in fact some places on the property are indeed restricted, so be sure to read the signs and follow the blue line within the park. The blue line begins at the gate of Fort Constitution. and leads you right through the restricted parking lot of Homeland Security. But don't let that scare you away! The staff there is very friendly and you are welcome to enter Fort Constitution. The park is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

When visiting Fort Constitution, remember that it is located in a quiet neighborhood. You will often see people walking and on bikes so go slow and use caution. There are also private homes right next to Fort Constitution.

Some of the features at Fort Constitution include:

Coast Guard Boat Dock
Department of Homeland Security
UNH College has equipment there for the students
At first glance you won't even see the historic areas as there is a lot of buildings and other things going on there.

Fort Constitution is free to the public. The gates are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location:

On NH Rt.1B (on a sharp 90 degree corner)
New Castle, New Hampshire Zip Code 03854

Click Here to View our Photo Gallery of Our Fort Constitution Trip!

History of Fort Constitution Historic Site

Fort Constitution is one of seven Forts built to protect Portsmouth Harbor. The others in New Hampshire are: Fort Washington, Fort Stark, and Fort Dearborn (Odiorne Point State Park), and in Maine: Fort Sullivan, Fort McClary and Fort Foster.

These Forts were built to protect the colonists. As Portsmouth Harbor's importance increased with its Revolutionary Warship building industry and the establishment of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1800, additional Fortification was needed to protect Portsmouth Harbor.

Fast Facts About This Trip:
The Good:	Fort Constitution is usually not very busy and many people that visit the park are very friendly. Fort Constitution is not your usual "Hang-Out." So it's a great place to go if you just want peace and quiet at the ocean. The plaques are very educational and bring you back in time to appreciate what our ancestors have accomplished to protect our state and country.
The Bad:	Some areas are strictly off limits and one of those areas is the beautiful iron lighthouse
The Ugly:	N/A
Tips to Remember:	No pets allowed No trash cans - You must bring your own garbage out of the park with you. Limited parking, best to go on a weekday Adult supervision of children is required according to the NH State Parks Division. The park is only open from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Click Here to View our Photo Gallery of Our Fort Constitution Trip!