Last week we shared with you the the history of the decisions made at the Burnham Tavern, that eventually led to the Battle of Machias in 1775. Today we continue that tale with a visit to Fort O’Brien in Machiasport, Maine. Following the residents’ rising up to seize a British naval vessel, and fatally wounding its commander, James Moore, they were worried about retaliation and with good reason! This was one of the first naval engagements by the patriots against the British troops.
Therefore, in 1775 they got to work building an earthworks fort to protect their village. It was a four-gun battery that guarded the mouth of the Machias River, located a short distance from the village center. However, just a few months later and probably as to be expected, the British returned and destroyed the fort. Not to be deterred, the fort was rebuilt and refortified, and a second Battle of Machias ensued in August of 1777.
Led by British Commodore Sir George Collier, four British ships sailed to Machias determined to thwart plans by John Allan to prepare troops in that area to invade Nova Scotia. However, having got wind of Collier’s fleet, the the local militia prepared for his arrival by erecting a log barricade across the river, as well as several areas for the militia to fire at his warships. Well the British made short work of this attempt at blocking them, and were able to land just below Machias, seizing a ship and raiding a storehouse.
However, rather than underestimating his opponents, Collier mistakenly overestimated the local militia, when he attempted to gain control of the fort the following day. The local militia were aided by Native American allies, whose actions made their ranks seem much larger than they actually were. Collier incorrectly assumed his small fleet was outnumbered and retreated. As with most situations, it depends on which side you’re on as to who won the Battle of Machias (1777). The British claimed victory because of their successful raid of supplies, and the local militia said they won because they prevented the British from seizing the fort and drove them away. Either way, thankfully the casualties from the battle were far fewer than the earlier engagement in 1775.
In 1781, Fort Machias was renamed Fort O’Brien in honor of Captain Jeremiah O’Brien, who successfully led the first Battle of Machias (1775). Fort O’Brien was expanded in 1808 when a blockhouse, barracks and battery were added. During the War of 1812, however, the 100 American troops guarding it didn’t fare as well protecting it. Five ships carrying approximately 900 British troops seized the fort and destroyed it. Fort O’Brien was rebuilt yet again during the Civil War, with more earthworks added as well as a battery of five guns, but it saw no action during that war.
Today all that remains at Fort O’Brien are the earthworks. Located on Port Road, this state historic site in Machiasport, is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Although closed on the off-season day we visited, we parked after hours at the adjacent school, and walked past the gate. Fort O’Brien is dog friendly, but dogs must remain on leash and be cleaned up after, at this carry out park. And a word of warning, for dog owners: Fort O’Brien continues to be under siege. This time by Canadian Geese who bombarded the park with their droppings! Please consider yourselves forewarned if your dogs could be easily be defeated by these feathered foes. For more historic forts in Maine, please visit our Dog Friendly Places recommendations.
