Fort Mott (Pittsford, Vermont)

Pittsford · Vermont · American Revolutionary War

Quick BriefFort Mott was a picket fort in Pittsford, Vermont, built by citizens as a refuge during the American Revolutionary War. After the Battle of Hubbardton on July 7, 1777, townspeople returned and finished construction of the fort that same year. Located on the east bank of Otter Creek, the fort was named after its commander, John Mott.

History & Significance

Pittsford's Fort Mott served as a militia refuge during the Revolutionary War, constructed as a sanctuary against British troops and Native American attacks. The fort was built in the fall of 1777, following the Battle of Hubbardton of July 7, when Pittsford residents evacuated and then returned to construct this defensive position.

The fort occupied the east bank of Otter Creek, which provided fresh water. Built as a log fort with an east bank location on Otter Creek to protect Pittsford residents, it proved only partially effective as raiding parties still attacked settlers.

The fort consisted of a palisaded square occupying about three-quarters of an acre and enclosing the log house of William Cox. After Britain's defeat in 1783, the forts' services were no longer required, as the Vermont Board of War had erected picket forts in Rutland County towns—including Pittsford—to protect inhabitants from threats posed by native tribes, Tories, and British regulars. The fort was abandoned in 1783.