fort constitution historic site

This is just one of the many forts that line the Maine, NH and MA shoreline that were developed before the Civil War and were upgraded during the first half of the twentieth century. The fort is next to the Coast Guard Station and is free. Spending 30-60 minutes on the grounds gives you a good idea of the history and the views are really cool. Spend the time to tour this site as it is slowly falling apart; the drive around new castle really gives you the small coastal new england feel.

Small sign on gate, something about extra security. Was disappointed I made the effort to go there. Would have been easy to put something on the website saying it was closed :(

the site is not maintained, a very old board explains what happened there... this place needs to be loved a bit...

Interesting enough but not worth a detour. 10 mins and you can see it all, probably only for the enthusiast.

My husband and I love visiting historic sites but we were very disappointed in the Fort Constitution Site. The informational plaques were not maintained at all-it appeared that the salt water may have damaged them and we were unable to read the writing and view the pictures. There were maybe 2 info plagues and the rest were tucked away in a little opening at the site. Also, there were window openings that looked out at a steep drop off by the sea and only a few had metal bars across while others did not or were broken which would make it dangerous for children if they got to close. We visited the site with our 6 yr old and 3 yr old. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see this.

We visited several forts in the area and did not find this one very interesting or well taken care of. There is the lighthouse at this location that you can go up in on certain days, which might make the visit more worth while. We did not go on a day when the lighthouse was open.

Pros: Parking was easy and finding the fort was easy (follow the blue paint stripe). Beautiful views of the water. Walking around the remaining walls of the fort was really cool and it was easy to imagine what it may have been like. Cons: There was a port-a-potty right next to the entrance to the fort ruining any chance of getting a good picture right there. There was only one historical information sign inside the fort and it was difficult to read. While checking out one of the old rooms we saw the rest of the signs lying on the ground inside where you wouldn't really want to go. Overall, if you are in to history this is a neat place to visit but you need to read about it before you go. It's free so it's worth the time to check it out. We spent about 30 minutes there.

We enjoyed our trip to the historic fort, but felt that it lacked guides or information to help guide our own tour of the area. Perhaps we just missed it, but it was just 'there'...

We drove out here and found a very interesting part of Portsmouth. The grounds and parts left from the fort were very interesting. It's always good to learn a little history. There is also a light house that you can go up in. The best part it's free and beautiful.

I happened to go to Fort Constitution on a day when the Coast Guard was having an "Open House". This proved to be a very good thing - I got to see some of the boating equipment and to tour one of their Search and Rescue Vessels. The fort was also open for self-exploration and that was an interesting activity, with nice views of the harbor and lots of picture-taking opportunities.

Stopped here on a whim. It's an old fort or rather what's left. The US Coast Guard have a headquarters located here and have strict rules of following the blue line to the Fort and no where else. There are only remnants of the fort left but you can walk around inside and there is a beautiful view of the harbor, ocean and lighthouse. It was nice to sit on the rock see the sailboats go by and enjoy the view although knowing the historical significance of what it once was. It's free and if you have some free time while in Portsmouth and enjoy history, give it a try. If nothing else, great views.

We went to Fort Constitiution and stayed about one hrs. We walked the ground trying to put ourselves in that time of history. Enjoyed sitting and watching the oceans, get smell of salt water in the air. Enjoyed the taking pictures of the bell and lighthouse and looking at boats. Great time touring the Fort just thinking about time and taking over the fort and becoming a historic site.

Construction taking place around the area, no directional signs on how to walk to the Fort. Interesting to see, but difficult to find.

If historically inclined, check this out. Neat example of a 18th .century fortification improved and modified through the 19th and 20th Centories.

My friend and i went on a cruise to the Isle of Shoals today. When we returned from our trip, we decided to go to Fort Constitution. I had forgotten that the lighthouse is open to tours. We went up inside the lighthouse and walked around the grounds. What a FABULOUS history!! The tour guides were very informative and seemed very knoweldgeable!!! Well, worth the trip!!!! The views were INCREDIBLE!!!!