Marblehead in the War of 1812-- Part 2: Fortifying

Both the USS Essex and USS Constitution had many sailors from Marblehead in their crews as did privateers from Salem.

There was a distinct danger to Marblehead from the sea.  It was decided at a Town Meeting to reinforce the arsenal and Fort Sewall at the mouth of the harbor which had been neglected and falling into disrepair ever since the Revolution.

To protect Little Harbor, Fountain Park was fortified with a battery of cannons as designated as Fort Washington.

A 42-pounder was placed at Skinner's Head (now Glover's Landing).  Smaller cannons were placed at Goodwin's Head and Gilberts Heights.  Guards were stationed at Marblehead Neck.

--Brock-Perry

Three Important War of 1812 Marblehead Men

From yesterday's blog entry from the Marblehead Reporter.

ELBRIDGE GERRY--  U.S. Congressman, governor of Massachusetts, vice president under James Madison 1813-1814.  His name applied to the political process known as gerrymandering.

JOSEPH STORY--  U.S. Congressman, U.S. Supreme Court from 1811 until 1845.  He was 32 when appointed, the youngest-ever supreme court justice.

SAMUEL SEWALL--   U.S. Congressman and Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court and for whom Fort Sewall named.

Seems Like Marblehead Sure Had a Lot of U.S. Congressmen.  --Brock-Perry

Marblehead's Fort Sewall

From the Town of Marblehead site.

Now a peaceful park on what was originally known as Gale's Head and renamed for Marblehead native Samuel Sewall, a Massachusetts supreme court justice.

It biggest battle took place on April 3, 1814, when it provided cover for the USS Constitution which had been pursued by two British frigates into the harbor.

The fort was deeded by the federal government to the town in 1922 and is on the NRHP.  It still has bunkers and underground rooms once used for prisoners.


From Wikipedia.

Located on Fort Sewall Promontory and originally founded in 1646 as breastworks, then enlarged in 1742 as defense against the French and again in 1794.  In the War of 1812, a company was mustered into service there and in 1814 renamed for Samuel Sewall.

Brock-Perry

Marblehead's Role in the War of 1812

From the August 15, 1812, Marblehead (Mass) Reporter "Two talks to highlight Marblehead's role in War of 1812."

The two talks will be held August 18th and 19th at Marblehead, Massachusetts's Fountain Park.

Fountain Park, overlooking the Atlantic and Marblehead's two harbors, was the site of a fort on Baily's Head, whose name was changed to Fort Washington during 1812.  The larger fort across from it on Gale's Head was renamed Fort Sewall after Marblehead's Samuel Sewall.

This weekend also marks the 200th anniversary of the USS Constitution's victory over the HMS Guerriere.  The British ship had been a French frigate until captured in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.

Out of a 6,000 population in Marblehead in 1812, some 1,000 men and boys served against the British Navy.

Getting Into the Act.  --Brock-Perry