Fort Knox & The Penobscot Narrows
Explore Maine's massive granite fortress that never fired a shot, and brave the dizzying heights of the world's tallest bridge observatory.
Rising from the banks of the Penobscot River like a granite beast, Fort Knox is one of the best-preserved military fortifications in New England. Looming directly above it is a marvel of modern engineering: the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
Together, they represent two centuries of Maine history in one spectacular location.
Fort Knox: The Guardian that Never Fought
Built between 1844 and 1869, Fort Knox was the first granite fort constructed in Maine. It was designed to protect the Penobscot River valley from British naval attack—specifically to prevent a repeat of the War of 1812, when the British occupied nearby Castine and sacked Bangor.
Why is it special?
- It’s Pristine: The fort never saw combat. No cannonball ever chipped its walls. Because of this, the masonry is practically flawless.
- The Architecture: The craftsmanship is stunning. Beautiful granite archways, spiral stone staircases, and massive vaulted ceilings make it feel more like a castle than a bunker.
- The Canons: Several massive 15-inch Rodman cannons (Civil War era) are still mounted on the walls.
The Haunting
Fort Knox is widely considered one of the most haunted places in Maine.
- Sergeant B: The most famous spirit is said to be Sergeant Leopold Hegyi, who lived at the fort alone as a caretaker in his later years. Visitors and staff report seeing a figure in a duster coat walking the grounds.
- The Tunnels: The dark, echoing passageways (flank defense galleries) are hotspots for paranormal activity. Disembodied voices, footsteps, and cold touches are frequently reported.
- Fright at the Fort: Every October, the fort embraces its spooky reputation with a massive haunted house event that draws thousands.
The Penobscot Narrows Observatory
Directly adjacent to the fort is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge that replaced the old Waldo-Hancock Bridge in 2006.
The View from the Top
One of the bridge’s towers holds a secret: The Penobscot Narrows Observatory.
- Height: At 420 feet (128 meters), it is the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. (Yes, taller than the one in Thailand).
- The Experience: A strictly vertical elevator whisks you 42 stories up in one minute.
- The Panorama: From the glass-walled deck, you get a 360-degree view. You can see:
- The entire Fort Knox complex directly below (it looks like a toy).
- The winding Penobscot River.
- The Camden Hills to the west.
- Mount Desert Island (Acadia) to the east on a clear day.
Visiting Info
Location: Prospect, Maine (Just across the river from Bucksport). Season: The Fort and Observatory are open May 1 – October 31. Tickets: You can buy a combo ticket for both the Fort and the Observatory. Tips:
- Bring a flashlight for the dark tunnels in the fort.
- The observatory is wheelchair accessible; the fort has uneven ground and stairs.
- Bring a jacket—it’s always windy 420 feet in the air.
- Download the Maine State Parks app for interpretive information.
Exploring the Fort
Fort Knox rewards thorough exploration. Unlike many historic sites that funnel you through a prescribed route, the fort invites wandering. Key areas to discover:
The Spiral Staircases
Carved from solid granite, these engineering marvels connect the different levels. The craftsmanship is remarkable—each step perfectly cut and fitted.
The Magazine Rooms
Underground storage rooms designed to hold gunpowder. Notice how the doorways are copper-lined and the floors specially treated to prevent sparks.
The Officers’ Quarters
Relatively spacious accommodations with windows overlooking the river. Imagine life here during the Civil War, waiting for an attack that never came.
The Hot Shot Furnace
A rare surviving example of a furnace used to heat cannonballs red-hot before firing them at wooden ships. A terrifying but effective defensive technology.
The Paranormal Connection
Fort Knox embraces its reputation as one of Maine’s most haunted sites. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the combination of dark tunnels, echoing chambers, and nearly two centuries of history creates an undeniably atmospheric experience.
Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators have made the fort a destination for decades. The evidence they cite includes:
- EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings captured in the tunnels
- Unexplained cold spots, particularly in the casements
- Objects moving on their own
- The feeling of being watched, reported by countless visitors
Fright at the Fort, held every October, transforms the fort into a massive haunted attraction. Professional actors, elaborate sets, and the fort’s natural spookiness create one of New England’s most popular Halloween events. Tickets sell out early.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Knox makes an excellent anchor for a full day in the Bucksport-Penobscot area:
- Bucksport: The small downtown offers restaurants, antique shops, and the famous witch’s grave (the curse of Jonathan Buck).
- Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery (Orland): One of the oldest fish hatcheries in the country, with a visitor center and picnic area.
- Blue Hill Peninsula: Continue east for art galleries, pottery studios, and beautiful coastal scenery.
This is arguably the best “bang for your buck” stop on Route 1. In two hours, you can explore 19th-century tunnels, take in 21st-century views that stretch for 40 miles, and perhaps encounter something that defies easy explanation.
Making the Most of Your Visit
A few strategies for maximizing your Fort Knox experience:
- Timing: Arrive early or late in the afternoon when the fort is less crowded and the light is more dramatic in the tunnels.
- Combine experiences: Buy the combo ticket for both the fort and observatory—the contrast between 19th-century military architecture and 21st-century engineering is fascinating.
- Take your time: The fort rewards slow exploration. Don’t rush through the tunnels; let your eyes adjust and notice the details.
- Bring layers: The granite walls stay cool even on hot summer days. A light jacket makes tunnel exploration more comfortable.
The Engineering Marvel
Beyond the historical interest, Fort Knox represents remarkable engineering achievement. The granite blocks were quarried locally from Mount Waldo and fitted with precision that has stood the test of time. The curved walls, designed to deflect incoming fire, demonstrate sophisticated understanding of military architecture.
The drainage systems, ventilation shafts, and powder magazine protections show how engineers solved practical problems with limited technology. Walking through the fort, you’re seeing solutions that were cutting-edge in the 1840s—and that still function today.
Why It Matters
Fort Knox never fired a shot in anger, which might seem to make it a failure. But its presence achieved its purpose: deterrence. The British never attacked the Penobscot Valley after the fort was built. The massive walls and imposing armament served their function simply by existing.
Today, the fort serves a different purpose—education, recreation, and connection to Maine’s military history. The combination of pristine preservation, spectacular setting, and atmospheric tunnels creates an experience unlike any other historic site in Maine. Whether you come for history, photography, or the thrill of the paranormal, Fort Knox delivers something memorable.