In the early 1780's, Fort George was the commanding British edifice on the Penobscot, responsible for the comprehensive destruction of the fledgling American Navy. Today, it's a gently rolling soccer/and/or/baseball field across the street from the Maine Maritime Academy.

The main word I would use to describe Fort George in its current condition would be underwhelming. This is of course a relative observation, and in my case at least partially inspired by some of Maine's other, much more substantial starforts that I had recently visited, the fantastic Fort Knox being the main culpruit.

The magical starfort shape is still plainly evident at Fort George, whose walls, while diminished (and reconstructed), are lushly green and well tended from a horticultural standpoint. Trees have been permitted to grow within the fort's surrounding ditch, particularly along its western wall, which is difficult indeed to navigate (which did not prevent me from navigating it).

There were a few aspects of Fort George that were a delight to investigate, such as the magazine in the northern bastion (which I'm pretty sure isn't really supposed to be as accessible as it is), and structures in the southern bastion.

But that was pretty much it. Kudos to the town of Castine for keeping this historic treasure in some semblance of existence, and it makes sense that the fort's interior would be used as a playing field for the local youth contingent...but my advice to those interested in visiting would be to avoid getting one's hopes up for a staggeringly spectacular starfort situation!

Please won't you click on any of the images on this page, which will take you to its full-sized counterpart, which are presented with even more of my descriptions of Fort George.