The tale of Fort Montgomery, also known to many as “Fort Blunder,” encapsulates a fascinating but often overlooked chapter in the history of the United States’ northern border defenses. In the serene setting of Lake Champlain’s shores lies the remnants of two forts—a reflection of the 19th-century geopolitical shifts and a monumental miscalculation.
Construction of the first fort commenced in 1816, inspired by the pressing need for a strong defense mechanism against British invasions from Canada—a reminder of the fiery Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812. President James Monroe’s inspection of the uncompleted fortification in July 1817, a surveying error that placing the fort on the Canadian side due to a misplaced 45th parallel, that the construction came to an abrupt end, resulting in its sometimes being better known as “Fort Blunder”.
The fort’s naming itself is a quirk of history. Often misidentified as Fort Montgomery, this fort remained unnamed, with historical documents merely describing it as the “works” or “fortification” at Rouse’s Point.
However, the narrative took a twist with the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, which realigned the border, incorporating the site into U.S. territory. This diplomatic maneuver allowed the construction of a new stronghold, Fort Montgomery, named in honor of Major General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero. This time, the fort was positioned strategically within American borders, standing with 48-foot-high walls intended to mount 125 cannons.
Fort Montgomery never fully served its military purpose, evolving instead into a symbol of deterrence during the Civil War era, when rumors of British aid to the Confederacy surged. A detachment of the 14th U.S. Infantry briefly garrisoned the fort, ensuring its readiness against possible incursions. Despite the fort’s impressive armament, including 74 cannons in 1886, it never fired in anger.
By the turn of the 20th century, the fort’s role had diminished to such an extent that its iron cannons, some never mounted, were sold for scrap, and the fort fell into caretaker supervision.
Ironically, the very stone that once symbolized national security was repurposed in the 1930s, serving as fill for a bridge connecting New York and Vermont, further dismantling the fort’s structure.
Despite subsequent efforts to preserve the site, including an offer to the State of New York and a listing as one of the Preservation League of New York State’s “Seven to Save” properties.
Relevant articles:
– Fort Montgomery (Lake Champlain), Apr 10, 2018