Fort Wentworth (Northumberland, New Hampshire)
Northumberland · New Hampshire · French and Indian War, American Revolutionary War
History & Significance
Fort Wentworth was constructed in 1755 under the orders of Royal Governor Benning Wentworth by soldiers of Colonel Joseph Blanchard's New Hampshire Provincial Regiment, including the renowned frontiersman Robert Rogers, at a strategic location where the Upper Ammonoosuc River and Connecticut River converge. The fort served as a key defensive position during the French and Indian War, though its garrison capacity fluctuated.
In 1759, Rogers' Rangers attempted to resupply at the fort following their celebrated raid on St. Francis, Quebec, but discovered it lacked both a garrison and provisions, forcing them to continue south to Fort No. 4 for reinforcements. Following the opening of the American Revolutionary War, the previously inactive fort was regarrisoned from 1776 to 1778 by Jeremiah Eames' ranger company, who repaired its defenses to shield the region from British incursions originating from nearby Canada.
By the 1780s the fort had been permanently abandoned. A stone monument now stands near Groveton on U.S. Route 3 near the site of the fort.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Stone monument marking original 1755 fort site
- Riverside location at confluence of Upper Ammonoosuc and Connecticut Rivers
- Historical significance in French and Indian War and Revolutionary War
- Accessible from U.S. Route 3 near Groveton
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Wentworth
- https://northumberlandnh.gov/history/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northumberland,_New_Hampshire
- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/fortifications-french-and-indian-war
- https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/57500/57585/57585_ben_wentwort.htm
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