Fort Howe, Saint John

Fort Howe holds a pivotal place in Canada's military history, dating back to its construction during the American Revolution in 1777. Originally built by the British shortly after the American siege, its purpose was to safeguard the city from potential American raids. Strategically positioned at the mouth of the Saint John River, where it meets the Bay of Fundy, the fort played a crucial role in providing protection from marauding forces and American privateers.

The initial fortification featured eight cannons, barracks for 100 men, two blockhouses, and an outer wall made of fascines, sticks, and sod. As time progressed, the fort underwent expansions and improvements. By 1778, it boasted a more substantial blockhouse and barracks within a palisade, along with an abatis. A third blockhouse was added at the east end of the hill, enhancing its defensive capabilities.

Named after Sir William Howe, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in America at the time, Fort Howe became a symbol of British military presence in the region. It served as a watchful guardian over the strategic river mouth, ensuring the safety of surrounding rural communities.

Fort Howe holds the distinction of being the first historic site in Canada's national park system, designated as Fort Howe National Park on March 30, 1914. Over the years, the site has seen changes in ownership, eventually being given to the city of Saint John in 1930. In 1966, it gained recognition as a National Historic Site, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

While the fort is no longer part of the national park system, efforts have been made to preserve and showcase its history. A full-size replica of one of Fort Howe's blockhouses was erected in 1967, providing a tangible link to its heyday during the American Revolutionary War. The site features original or replica 18th-century cannons, as well as remnants of a Second World War anti-aircraft battery. Today, Fort Howe stands as a popular lookout point, affording tourists and residents panoramic views of the city and harbor. Affiliated with various heritage organizations, the fort remains an essential part of Canada's historical landscape.