Fort Sewall - Marblehead, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 30.508 W 070° 50.565
19T E 348606 N 4707878
Fort Sewall marker is on Front St and Fort Sewall Terrace.
Waymark Code: WMBZBF
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 07/07/2011
Views: 3
Fort Sewall was built in 1644 as a defensive structure on the headland known as Gale's Head. The fort was enlarged in 1742 for defense against the French. A magazine and barracks was added in 1794 and, once again during the Civil War. The fort was manned during the War of 1812. In 1814. the fort was named in honor of Judge Samuel Sewall, who was a Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court.
The US government gave the fort to the town of Marblehead in 1890.
The inscription on the marker reads:
1630 1930
Fort Sewall
Built in 1742 for defence
against French cruisers. U.S.S.
"Constitution" sought shelter
under the fort's guns when
chased by H.M.S. "Tenedos"
and " Endymion" April 3, 1814.
Named after Samuel Sewall of
Marblehead, Chief Justice of
Massachusetts in 1814.
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Tercentenary Commission
Agency Responsible for Placement: Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission
Year Placed: 1930
County: Essex
City/Town Name: Marblehead
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): Not listed
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