Fort Constitution Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Constitution Historic Site is located in New Castle, New Hampshire, and is a popular tourist destination that offers a glimpse into the region's history.


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Summary

The site is situated on an island at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, which served as a strategic location during the Revolutionary War.

One of the primary reasons to visit this site is its historical significance. Visitors can explore the fort's ruins, which were built in the early 19th century, and learn about the role it played in protecting the region from potential attacks. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and harbor.

There are several specific points of interest to see at Fort Constitution Historic Site, including the remains of the original fort, which was built in 1631, and the lighthouse that was added in 1872. Visitors can also explore the barracks, powder magazine, and other buildings that were used by soldiers stationed at the fort.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the fort was originally constructed by English colonists to protect against potential attacks from Native American tribes. Later, during the Revolutionary War, it was used to defend against British incursions into the region. The fort was decommissioned in 1828, but its ruins remain a popular tourist destination to this day.

The best time of year to visit Fort Constitution Historic Site is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the site is open to visitors. It is also worth noting that the site can be busy during peak tourist season, so visitors may want to plan accordingly to avoid crowds.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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