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Fort Gratiot (site) (Port Huron, Michigan)

USA / Michigan / Port Huron / Port Huron, Michigan
 military, historical layer / disappeared object
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Fort Gratiot was established by Captain Charles Gratiot in 1814 on a site that had previously been occupied by Native Americans. Located on a beach ridge on the west bank of St. Clair river, 25 feet above and just south, of the mouth of Lake Huron, the fort was a rectangular set of earthworks with earthen bastions and gun placements. Nine buildings were included in the stockade.

After the war of 1812 the fort's importance waned and was abandoned in 1821 through 1828, during which time a Presbyterian missionary school occupied the location.

After a period of abandonment the army returned in 1828 and levelled the old fort to make room for a larger complex. The new plans were similar but larger and included a public barn, stable, bake house, blacksmiths shop, and store outside the stockade.

The fort was regarrisoned and abandoned three times from 1828-1879 when it was removed and the land sold. During its periods of occupation Fort Gratiot served as a defense from the British in the war of 1812, a training camp for the Civil War, and a focal point for the growing city of Port Huron.

As of 1851, it was intended to be armed with ten 32-pounder guns, five 12-pounder guns, three field pieces, ten flank howitzers, two 8" heavy seacoast howizters, two 10" heavy mortars, two light 8" mortars and five coehorn mortars for a total of 39 guns.

After a series of occupations and abandonments the 17th infantry remodeled the site in 1866 including a white fence around the perimeter. The inner buildings were white, rectangular, with white clapboard siding, dark shingle roofs and dark shutters on the front windows.

Archeological excavations took place from 1974-1978, uncovering artifacts, building foundations, and part of the water system.
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Coordinates:   42°59'46"N   82°25'39"W
This article was last modified 11 years ago