Getaway Guide: Famous Forts For The 4th Of July
As kids, many of us played in makeshift forts. They were made of cardboard, wood, stone -- anything we could get our hands on, including an empty coal truck that become stranded in a New York snowstorm. Forts have guarded the portals of American settlements since the earliest days of the nation's colonial history. But they hold greater symbolism on Independence Day, when the glow of fireworks lights up the stars and stripes. So, where do we go for a day or weekend trip to experience a piece of history? Follow me. – Jay Lloyd
FORT McHENRY
2400 E. Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm
The flag is immense. It's also the most famous banner that flies on American shores. The original flag at Fort McHenry, as you approach Baltimore's Inner Harbor from the busy Patapsco River, provided the spark for the "Star Spangled Banner," written during the failed British attack on Baltimore during the war of 1812. There has been a fort on this point of land since the Revolution. As you approach from the sea, the gaping muzzles of the fort cannons are a daunting sight. Visitors can take a water taxi to the fort from a variety of Baltimore stops. A dinner cruise on the Spirit of Baltimore will offer a look at the fort under the glare of nighttime fireworks, just as Francis Scott Key might have seen it. The basic entrance fee is $7 for adults. Check other fees here.
FORT TICONDEROGA
100 Fort Ti Rd.
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
www.fortticonderoga.org
A fort overlooking a critical portage point between Lake Champlain and Lake George played a key role in the Colonial wars that spilled over from Europe between Britain and France. Fort Carillon was built by the French, captured by the British, and, as the American Revolution broke out, by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen. At that point, Ben was still one of the good guys. I've just returned from what became Fort Ticonderoga. The history is fascinating, the view is panoramic splendor, the muskets and music are stimulating, and the kids get to take part in the re-enactors drills. From July 3rd to the 5th, there'll be music, drills, cannon demonstrations and a glimpse at the life of a revolutionary soldier. Don't forget to stop at the King's Garden for a magnificent view of Lake Champlain and an immersion into period plantings on the grounds that provided much of the food for a succession of armies. Adult tickets are $17.50 with discounts for seniors and youngsters. This trip should be a long weekend. It's about a six hour drive and there is Amtrak service to Ticonderoga.
FORT MIFFLIN
6400 Hog Island Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19153
www.fortmifflin.us
You might say that Fort Mifflin took a licking but kept on ticking. The men that raked the British Fleet from Philadelphia and Fort Mercer on the New Jersey shore slowed the British down just enough to let George Washington get his army encamped at Valley Forge. Then British cannons set the fort ablaze. Its strategic position at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers played a significant role in revolutionary history. The musket drills, cannon fire and re-enactors playing out the role of Philadelphia defenders will captivate the kids. The fort, which is located off I-95 near International Airport, is an easy anytime day-visit. But there's something special about being there on the 4th. General admission is $6 for adults. You'll find discounts for seniors, youngsters and veterans here.
FORT MERCER
100 Hessian Rd.
Red Bank, NJ 08063
www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/p/parks/parkgolf/redbank
When Washington's troops at Fort Mifflin were forced to evacuate their blazing compound, they headed across the river to Fort Mercer and continued the fight. In October of 1777, the New Jersey bastion soundly defeated a Hessian invasion, only to later be driven out by an overwhelming British force. Today, the battlefield at Red Bank is a popular national park. It has been a favorite spot for river-gazing, especially when tall ships are navigating the Delaware River. Frequent reenactments and programs create an ideal spot to reflect on the region's revolutionary war history.
BATTERY PARK
New York, NY 10004
www.thebattery.org
At the southern tip of Manhattan island, the cannons that faced New York Harbor were silent during America's War of Independence. They had guarded the approaches to the earliest of 16th century settlements. By the 18th century, the British were firmly in control. But then came Washington, who booted them out, and New York became an American capitol. I include Battery Park here because it is one of the country's most symbolic locations. It was an early immigration center, pre-dating Ellis Island, it has the most spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and it is near Trinity Church, where many revolutionary heroes are buried. It is also the jumping off point for ferries to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. A visit to lower Manhattan is an easy day trip. One bit of advice -- don't drive. Take a train or bus. If you must drive, park in New Jersey and either take the PATH train to New York or a ferry to the Battery.
Enjoy the Fourth!