Welcome to the Fort Knox / Penobscot Narrows Observatory website. Located on the west bank of the Penobscot River in Prospect, Maine, in an area known as the Penobscot Narrows, Fort Knox is one of the best preserved fortifications on the New England seacoast. The Fort has many architectural features present only to itself, as well as a rich history behind it's cannon batteries.

Maine was repeatedly involved in northeast border disputes with British Canada, and the area between Castine and the rich lumber city of Bangor was invaded and occupied by the British during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Despite the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, Fort Knox was established in 1844 to protect the Penobscot River valley against a possible future British naval incursion.

The Fort was was designed by Chief Engineer Joseph Totten with a number of other engineers serving as superintendents of construction from 1844 - 1869, among them Isaac Ingalls Stevens and Thomas L. Casey. The Fort was named for Major General Henry Knox, America's first Secretary of War, who was born in Boston but retired to Thomaston, Maine in 1796. The Fort garrisoned it's first troops from 1863 to 1866. These troops were mostly volunteers undergoing training before being sent to their active posts and included members of the celebrated 20th Maine. Troops were also briefly stationed at the Fort during the Spanish American war in 1898, but never saw military action.

Come explore the Fort and discover this treasure of Maine and United States History. Fort Knox is open May 1 - October 31, from 9:00 - sunset. The grounds are open year round for your visiting pleasure. The newly constructed Penobscot Narrows Bridge boasts an observation tower, rising 420’ above sea level, which may only be accessed through the Fort. The observation tower provides a breathtaking view of the Penobscot River Valley, and is the only observatory like it in the Western Hemisphere!

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Penobscot Narrows Observatory Opens May 1st

A one minute ride on the fastest elevator in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont will take you to the top of the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world. The others are in China, Slovakia and Thailand. Just opened in May 2007, the observatory is already proving to be a popular attraction. The beauty of the Penobscot River and surrounding  countryside is immediately apparent as the elevator door slides open to a dizzying view from 420 feet up. Ascend two more levels up to find 360 degrees views, complete with  identification panels showing you how to locate nearby mountains, lakes and towns.

Visit the Fort and Penobscot Narrows Observatory in the shoulder seasons and avoid the crowds!

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Maine State Park Passes: The Ideal Gift!
The perfect gift for someone who enjoys the natural beauty and history of Maine. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands manages 47 State Parks, Historic Sites and River corridors. BP&L Season Passes allow access to all day use State Parks and Historic Sites during the 2008 operating season. Click on the link above for more information.

Click here for views of the Fort, new Bridge, and Observatory.		Fright at the Fort 2008 Friday & Saturday 10/17- 10/18/2008 Friday & Saturday 10/24 - 10/25/2008 and 10/31/2008

This page/website is the property of The Friends of Fort Knox
The Friends of Fort Knox is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Fort Knox Historic Site as a cultural, educational and economic asset for the State of Maine.

Fort Knox is a State Historic Site owned and operated by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

To Find Us:

From Belfast: Proceed north on US Rte 1, through Searsport and Stockton Springs, immediately before crossing the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, take a left onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right.

From Bar Harbor: Follow US Rte. 1 south across the Penobscot Narrows bridge, immediately adjacent to the town of Bucksport. Once over the bridge take a right onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right.

From Bangor: On Rte. 1A South....follow Rte 1A South through the towns of Hampden, Winterport, Frankfort and Prospect. In Prospect Center, take a left onto Rte. 174. Follow Rte 174 approximately 4 miles. Fort Knox will be on your left. On Rte 15 South....follow Rte 15 South through the city of Brewer and the towns of Orrington and Bucksport. In Bucksport, take a right onto US Rte.1 South and proceed over the Penobscot Narrows bridge. Immediately upon exiting the bridge take a right onto Rte. 174. Fort Knox will be approximately 1/4 mile up on your right