New York's Fort Blunder/Montgomery Has War of 1812 Connection-- Part 2: How It Became Known as Fort Blunder

In order to defend Lake Champlain and the border, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed and started construction of permanent fortifications near that border in 1816.  However, due to some poor surveying, this fort was built nearly  a mile on the northern side of the U.S.-Canadian border.

This was a huge "Oops."  Not surprisingly, this fortification became known as Fort Blunder.

The second fort, properly surveyed this time, was built between 1844 and 1871 at Rouse's Point in Clinton County, New York.  Unlike many contemporary forts of the time, it wasn't built of bricks, but stone instead.

The fort was named after General Richard Montgomery who was killed leading the American attack on Quebec in 1775 (during the first American invasion of Canada).  At its  height,the fort mounted over eighty guns on three levels (it was designed for 125) and was surrounded by a moat which could only be crossed by a drawbridge.

That Was A Big OOPS.  --Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 6: A Highly Regarded Officer

So perished this brave and gallant officer, not yet twenty-four years old, sincerely lamented by his friends for his private worth, and deeply regretted by the whole army, with which he was a favorite.

Though ambitious of distinction, he was perfectly unassuming; with laudable spirit, he was indefatigable in the discharge of every duty; and by his intelligence, zeal, and exemplary deportment, won the esteem and applause, not only his subordinates, but of every superior in command.


**  Note.  he was the son of Jonathan Williams, the first Superintendent of the Military Academy and Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 3: On Niagara Frontier and Killed At Fort Erie

Served at West Point, 1811-1812.

In the War of 11812, served 1812 to 1814.   1st Lt. Corps of Engineers, July 1, 1812., Captain , 2nd Artillery, March 17, 1813.

In command at Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania, 1812-1814.

Campaign of 1814 in the Niagara Frontier (Command of three 18-pounder guns at Lundy's Lane.)

Engaged in defense of Fort Erie, Upper Canada.  Where, in hand-to-hand encounter, while repulsing the enemy's fourth desperate assault upon the bastion of the work, he was killed , August 15,  1814, aged 24.

He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 2: First In Class of 1811

From For What They Gave On Saturday Afternoon.

Captain, 2nd Artillery, killed while being engaged in the Defense of Fort Erie, Upper Canada, where, in hand-to-hand encounter, while repulsing the enemy's fourth desperate attack upon the bastion of the work.

Born in Pennsylvania.  Appointed to USMA from Pennsylvania.

Alexander John Williams:  Born October 10, 1790, Philadelphia, PA.

Cadet of Military Academy May 5, 1805, to March 1, 1811, when he graduated First in his Class, and was promoted in the Army to Second Lieut., Corps of Engineers, March 1, 1811.

--Brock-Perry

Sylvanue Thayer, Father of West Point"-- Part 6: Long and Distinguished Career

From 1814-1815, Sylvanue Thayer was on professional duty to Europe, examining fortifications, military schools and the establishment and operation of the Allied armies then occupying France after the fall of Napoleon.

He was the superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, from July 28, 1817 to July 1, 1833.

From 1833 to 1843, he was Superintendent of Engineers during the construction of Forts Warren and Independence in Boston Harbor.

On professional duty to Europe in 1846 and general supervisor for harbor improvements in Maine and Massachusetts 1836-1843.

He was on sick leave of absence from 1858-1963.

--Brock-Perry

Sylvanus Thayer, Father of West Point-- Part 4: Ranks

From Cullom's register of USMA.

Ranks held by Sylvanus Thayer

2nd Lt.  Corps of Engineers  Feb. 23, 1808  Upon graduation from USMA
1st Lt., Corps of Engineers--  July 1, 1812

Captain--  Staff Department Commissary of Ordnance--  Sept. 22, 1812
Capt., Corps of Engineers--  Oct. 13, 1813

Brevet Major--  Feb. 20, 1815 for Distinctive and meritorious service
Brevet Lt.-Col.--  March 3, 1823

Major, Corps of Engineers--  May 24, 1824
Brevet Col.--  March 3, 1833

Lt.-Col., Corps of Engineers--  July 7, 1838
Col., Corps of Engineers--  March 3, 1863

Brevet Brig. Gen.--  May 31, 1863
Retired from active service June 1, 1863

Served for more than 45 years.

Died September 7, 1872 at Braintree, Massachusetts.  Buried at West Point.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Norfolk, Virginia-- Part 2: Occupied By Confederates and Federals During Civil War

The United States Navy acquired the fort in 1849 and used it as a weapons depot.  Confederates occupied it 1861-1862 and then the Union reoccupied it for the remainder of the war.

In 1921, the Army Corps of Engineers moved in and in 1983 moved out after building the large Waterford Building.

It is still owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, but run by the Norfolk Historical Society.  Fort Norfolk is the last surviving harbor fort authorized by George Washington in 1794.

The Friends of Fort Norfolk and 2nd Virginia Regiment provide free admission to the fort and guided tours on the weekends.

--Brock-Perry

Joseph G. Swift-- Part 7: A Long History of Engineering

Other projects of the USMA's first graduate, Joseph G. Swift included the completion of Fort Clinton in New York City and during the War of 1812, the fortifications on the western part of Long Island.

After 1818, he resigned his commission and served as the Surveyor of the Port of New York until 1826.  He was then chief engineer of several railroads.

In 1829, he directed harbor improvements of towns on the Great Lakes.

Engineering wasn't his only thing.  he also was involved in various business activities and was a friend to younger engineers, including George Washington Whistler and William Gibbs McNeill (both of whom were his brothers-in-law.).

--Brock-Perry

Joseph G. Swift-- Part 5: Helped Rebuild Washington, D.C.

He was on the Board to Review Infantry Tactics in 1815 and selected the Northern Naval Depot the same year.

Swift was involved with the rebuilding of the nation's capital city, Washington, D.C. in 1817.

He commanded the Corps of Engineers from July 31, 1812 to November 12, 1818.

Resigned his commission November 12, 1818 and worked as a civil engineer from 1819 to 1845.

He died July 23, 1865, at Geneva, New York, at age 82.

Quite the Career.  --Brock-Perry

Joseph G. Swift-- Part 4: Took Part in St. Lawrence River Campaign of 1813

He took part in the Campaign of 1813 on the St. Lawrence River and was at the Battle of Chrystler's Field in Upper Canada on November 11, 1813..  Then he involved with the defense of the city and harbor of New York (including Brooklyn and Harlem Heights) 1814-1815.

On February 18, 1814, he was brevetted to brigadier general for Meritorious Service.

From 1814-1815 he was superintending engineer for the fortifications of New York City.

--Brock-Perry

Joseph G. Swift-- Part 3: Very Active in War of 1812

Joseph Swift was promoted to Lt.-Col. Corps of Engineers July 6, 1812, and then colonel and chief engineer of the U.S. Army July 13, 1812.

From May 25 to September 28, 1812, he was Chief Engineer of the Department of New York and then in command of a brigade garrison on Staten Island from August 6-13, 1813.

He then became chief engineer of the army of Major General Wilkinson.

--Brock-Perry

Joseph G. Swift-- Part 2: Engineer For Many Coastal Installations

He was the Superintending Engineer for the erection of the Governors Island Batteries in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts.  From 1808-1809 he was general supervisor of the defenses of the New England coast.

Promoted to Major, Corps of Engineers on February 23, 1808.

From 1809 to 1812, he was Superintending Engineer of fortifications in the Carolinas Georgia harbors.

In 1812-1813 he was chief engineer and aide-de-camp to Major General Pinckney.

--Brock-Perry

Joseph G. Swift-- Part 1: First USMA Graduate

From Cullom's Register.

Joseph Gardner Swift was the first graduate of the USMA.

Born December 31, 1783, on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.  He was one of the original cadets at the USMA in October 12, 1802, when he became second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

From 1802-1804, he was superintending engineer during the construction of  Fort Johnston, North Carolina.  This fort was at the mouth of the Cape Fear River by Wilmington.  Part of it still remains.

Promoted to 1st Lt., Corps of Engineers, Captain October 30, 1806.

he was at West Point 1804-1807.

--Brock-Perry

USMA Class of 1806: William Partridge-- Part 1: Corps of Engineers

Eighteenth graduate of USMA at West Point.

December 13, 1805- October 30, 1806.

There was another Partridge who graduated from the USMA in 1806, Alden Partridge.  I'm wondering if they were related?

Commissioned 2nd lieutenant in Corps of Engineers.  Served at West Point in 1807 and then as assistant engineer in construction of defenses at Charleston, S.C. 1808-1810.

Promoted to 1st Lt. Corps of Engineers Feb. 23, 1808.  Served at West Point 1810 to 1812.  Captain Corps of Engineers July 1, 1812.

He was chief engineer in the Campaign of 1812 in Michigan Territory in the army of Major General William Hull and, because of Hull's surrender of Detroit on August 16, 1812, became a POW.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Babcock-- Part 2: Battle of Baltimore

During the War of 1812 he was Chief of Engineers under Major General Samuel Smith in the Defense of Baltimore in 1814 and Superintending Engineer of defenses on the Delaware River and construction of Fort Delaware, Delaware Bay 1816-1824 and improvements on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers 1824-1826,

Promoted to Captain Corps of Engineers September 20, 1812 and major March 31, 1819.

He worked on New Castle Harbor improvements in Delaware from 1826-1828 and in the construction of Fort Pulaski, Georgia, 1828-1830.

Samuel Babcock turned in his resignation Dec. 22, 1830 and died June 26, 1831, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

--Brock-Perry

Samuel Babcock, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-- Part 1

From Cullum's Register.

Samuel Babcock was the 36th graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and attended from April 28, 1806 to February 23, 1808.  He was promoted then to second lieutenant and served as Assistant Engineer in the fortifications in New York Harbor from 1808-1814.

He was made Assistant Engineer of Military Department No. 5, consisting of Virginia and Maryland.

Promotion to first lieutenant Corps of Engineers came July 1, 1812.

--Brock-Perry

HMS Hussar-- Part 3: Blown "Straight Back to Hell"

In 1876, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined to take care of the dangerous Hell's Gate passage by blowing "the worst features of Hell's Gate straight back to hell with 25 tons of dynamite."  The Hussar's remains, if there are any, are believed to be beneath the landfill of the Bronx.

On January 16, 2013, preservationists with the Central Park Conservancy discovered gunpowder, wadding and a cannonball in one of the two recovered cannons.  The bomb disposal unit removed about 1.8 pounds of active black powder and disposed of it.

"We silenced British cannon fire in 1776 and we don't want to hear it again in Central Park," according to a New York Police Department statement.

--Brock-Perry

Jonathan Williams, Builder of Forts

From Wikipedia.

I came across this man's name in researching Fort Jay, Castle Williams and Castle Clinton.  He had a hand in or led the construction of all three.

Born 1751 and died May 16, 1815.  American businessman, soldierpolitician and writer.

He was Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers and first Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point.  He was also elected to the 14th Congress but did not serve as he died before being seated.

Williams was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard.  He was grandnephew of Benjamin Franklin and from 1770-1775 was in England and France assisting his uncle in his business affairs.

President John Adams appointed him a major in the Army Corps of Engineers in 1801.  President Thomas Jefferson made him the Army's Inspector of Fortifications and assigned him to serve as the first superintendent of the new USMA in 1801.  The following year he became the commander of the Corps of Engineers.

From 1807-1811, he designed and completed the fortification which was to bear his name, Castle Williams and also Castle Clinton.  Castle Williams was the first casemated battery in the United States.

Williams resigned from the Army in 1812 when Secretary of War William Eustus refused to give him command of Castle Williams.  However, the state of New York placed him in charge of the New York City fortifications, so he probably had a hand in the construction of the Central Park forts.

He was elected to the 14th U.S. Congress in 1814, but died of gout before he took his seat.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Gratiot-- Part 1: Charles' Fort

Since I am on the subject of Charles Gratiot, not only did he build this fort, but also had it named after him.

From Wikipedia.

1814-1879, U.S. Army fort established by Port Huron, Michigan, near the end of the War of 1812 by Charles C. Gratiot, 2nd U.S. Infantry.  Named after its builder.  Abandoned 1821-1828.  Garrisoned after that until 1879 when it was permanently abandoned.

Constructed near the shore of the St. Clair River at the southern end of Lake Huron.  A rectangular fort with bastions at each corner measuring 190-feet-by-290-feet.

The riverside wall was made of vertical log pickets.  The other three walls and bastions were earthworks with a wide, shallow ditch in front of each.

Nine cannons were initially placed in the fort, including two 18-pdrs.,, two 12-pdrs. and one howitzer.  The biggest cannons were all removed to Fort Malden in October 1814.

--Brock-Perry

Charles Chocteau Gratiot-- Part 3

It was Gratiot who assigned Robert E. Lee to engineer the Mississippi River at St. Louis.  There had been a shift in the Mississippi River channel there which threatened to wipe out river traffic there.  Lee engineered a series of jetties which controlled the flow.

After that, he had a lengthy dispute with the War Department over benefits.  President Martin Van Buren dismissed him for failing to repay government funds entrusted to him.

Charles Gratiot died May 18, 1855, and his remains were interred at Section 13 of cavalry Cemetery in St. Louis.

The important Highway M-3 in Michigan, connecting Detroit and Port Huron is commonly called Gratiot Avenue..  Fort Gratiot in Michigan, which guards the mouth of the St. Clair River is named for him as well.

There are also towns named for him in Ohio and Michigan.

I Wonder If He's had a Book Written About Him?  --Brock-Perry