Fort Madison in Castine, Maine may have been named for President James Madison, but the history of this dog friendly location goes back much farther to the 1600s. Built in 1808 Fort Madison was an earthwork fortification constructed to protect the Penobscot Bay from foreign threats. Or so they thought.
During the War of 1812, upon the approach of the British fleet on September 1, 1814, the soldiers of this undermanned fort discharged and spiked the cannon, blew up the magazine, and retreated to Portland. Thus leaving this fort in the hands of the British. The British remained in control until April 1815, four months after the war ended. Fort Madison was later rebuilt in 1863 as a five gun earthworks fort by Union forces for the Civil War. But did not see any fighting during that war. All that remains of the fort are the earthworks.
However, before the Americans built the fort occupied by the British during the War of 1812, and even before the failed Penobscot Expedition during the American Revolution, this area was inhabited by French missionaries in the 1600s. In 1863 while rebuilding the fort, a copper plate was found on the site that when translated from Latin read, “11 June 1648 I, Father Leo, Capuchin of Parish, dedicate this land to Our Lady of Holy Hope.” Between 1632 and 1655, five Capuchin priests and a Brother of that Order served at the wilderness mission, which was one of the first Catholic chapels in the state of Maine. Captured by the British several times during it’s existence, the chapel was eventually abandoned in 1701 and the communicants transferred to Old Town in 1703.
Dogs are allowed on-leash. Although no evidence of the French mission remains, and only the earthworks are visible from it’s use as a fort, Fort Madison is a quiet spot with spectacular views of Penobscot Bay. There is also access to the rocky shoreline. It is located minutes away from Fort George off of Perkins Street in Castine, Maine. Look for the signs to the small parking area. For additional forts to explore with your pup, please visit Scenic Dog Walks on our Dog Friendly Places page.
