A Fort That Never Fired a Shot
Fort Popham sits at the tip of the Phippsburg peninsula where the Kennebec River empties into the Atlantic, a massive semi-circular granite fortification that took ten years to build and was never completed. Construction began in 1861, at the start of the Civil War, as part of a coastal defense system to protect the Kennebec River and the Bath Iron Works shipyards upstream. The war ended before the fort was finished, and though some additional work was done during the Spanish-American War, the structure was never armed and never saw action.
What remains is impressive: a crescent-shaped granite wall 30 feet high, with 36 gun emplacements on three levels, connected by stairways and corridors that you can explore on your own. The fort is a Maine State Historic Site, free to visit, and open to climbing and exploring during the summer season. The thick granite walls frame views of the river mouth, the Atlantic, and the sandy beaches of Popham on the opposite shore.
The site is also historically significant as the approximate location of the Popham Colony, established in 1607, the same year as Jamestown, by English settlers who built a fort and a ship (the Virginia, the first English ship built in North America) before abandoning the colony after a single harsh winter. The history layers here are remarkably deep.
Exploring the Fort
The fort is an open site with no guided tours required. You are free to climb the stairways, walk the ramparts, peer into the gun emplacements, and explore the interior corridors and rooms. The granite construction is substantial, walls several feet thick, arched doorways, and vaulted ceilings in the lower levels.
The ramparts on the upper level offer the best views. Looking east, you see the mouth of the Kennebec, one of Maine’s major rivers, pouring into the Atlantic. The current is strong here, and watching the river meet the ocean is hypnotic. Looking south, Popham Beach State Park stretches along the shore. To the west, Fox Island and the entrance to Atkins Bay complete the panorama.
Most visitors explore the ground level and maybe the second tier. The third level, the top of the ramparts, offers the best views and is often nearly empty. The stairways are narrow and the footing is uneven, but the panoramic view of the river mouth is worth the climb.
The fort’s interior spaces are cool even on hot days, and the acoustics are interesting, sounds echo through the corridors in unexpected ways. Children love exploring the rooms and passages, and the fort is one of the best places in Maine for imaginative play.
The fort has uneven surfaces, steep stairways, and unguarded drop-offs from the upper levels. There are no railings on the ramparts. Watch children closely, especially on the upper levels. The stone can be slippery when wet.
Popham Colony History
In August 1607, roughly 120 English colonists established the Popham Colony on this site, just months after the founding of Jamestown in Virginia. The settlers built Fort St. George, erected several buildings, and constructed the Virginia, a 30-ton pinnace that became the first English vessel built in the New World.
The colony lasted only 14 months. The winter was brutal, their leader George Popham died, and his successor Raleigh Gilbert returned to England to claim an inheritance. The remaining colonists abandoned the site in 1608. For centuries, the colony was a footnote in history, overshadowed by Jamestown’s survival. Recent archaeological work has uncovered foundations and artifacts from the colony, and interpretive signs at the fort tell the story.
Combine Fort Popham with Popham Beach State Park for a full day. The beach is a 5-minute drive from the fort. Start at the fort in the morning when the light is good for photography and the stone is not yet hot, then head to the beach for the afternoon. Percy’s Store in Phippsburg Center has good sandwiches for the road.
When to Go
Summer
Fort is fully open and accessible. Best combined with Popham Beach. Warm enough to linger on the ramparts. Interpretive signs are in place.
Fall
Fort remains open through September 30. Fewer visitors, golden light on the granite, and dramatic skies over the river mouth.
Winter
Fort interior is closed but grounds are accessible. The river mouth is dramatic in storm conditions. No facilities.
Spring
Fort opens Memorial Day weekend. The area is quiet before summer crowds. Wildflowers along the approach road.
Practical Notes
Fort Popham is at the end of Route 209 in Phippsburg, about 15 miles south of Route 1 in Bath. The road is scenic, passing through the small villages of Phippsburg and Popham. There is free parking at the fort site and portable restrooms during the summer season. A small picnic area sits adjacent to the fort with views of the river.
Spinney’s Restaurant, a casual seafood spot next to the fort, has been operating since the 1940s and serves fried clams, lobster rolls, and ice cream.
FAQ
Is Fort Popham free to visit?
Yes. Fort Popham is a Maine State Historic Site and is free to visit. The fort interior is open from Memorial Day through September 30. The grounds are accessible year-round.
Can you climb on Fort Popham?
Yes. Visitors are encouraged to explore the fort, climb the stairways, and walk the ramparts. There are three levels accessible to visitors. Watch your footing on the narrow stairs and uneven surfaces.
Was Fort Popham used in any wars?
No. The fort was begun during the Civil War and never completed. It was briefly reactivated during the Spanish-American War but was never armed or garrisoned for combat. No shots were ever fired from the fort.
What is the Popham Colony?
The Popham Colony was an English settlement established in 1607, the same year as Jamestown, at approximately the same site as Fort Popham. The colonists built Fort St. George and the ship Virginia before abandoning the colony after one winter.
Are dogs allowed at Fort Popham?
Yes, dogs on leash are welcome on the grounds and inside the fort. Watch them on the steep stairs and upper levels.
