Fort Constitution State Historic Site
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 First Strike of the Revolution — Site of the FIRST offensive military action of the American Revolution — December 14, 1774 (4 months before Lexington!)
Fort Constitution State Historic Site in New Castle preserves the remains of Fort William and Mary — site of the first offensive military action of the American Revolution! On December 14, 1774 — four months before Lexington and Concord — 400 New Hampshire patriots stormed the British fort and captured 100 barrels of gunpowder and 16 cannons. This was the first time colonial forces physically attacked and overpowered a British military garrison. The stolen gunpowder was later used at Bunker Hill. The fort was renamed “Fort Constitution” after independence.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | New Castle, Rockingham County, NH |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Battle | Dec 14, 1774 — BEFORE Lexington! |
| Captured | 100 barrels gunpowder + 16 cannons! |
| Impact | Powder used at Bunker Hill! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this really before Lexington?
Yes! The raid on Fort William and Mary on December 14, 1774 was the first time colonists physically attacked a British military installation. Paul Revere himself rode from Boston to warn New Hampshire patriots that the British were sending reinforcements. The 100 barrels of stolen gunpowder helped arm the colonial forces at Bunker Hill six months later.
Insider Tips
Pre-Revolution raid: Fort Constitution (originally Fort William and Mary) was raided by Patriots on December 14, 1774 — four months BEFORE Lexington and Concord. Pro tip: Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth to warn that British reinforcements were coming — his lesser-known ride predated his famous one. First shots: Some historians argue this raid was the first overt military action of the American Revolution.
Best Time to Visit
December 14: Anniversary of the 1774 raid. Summer: Coastal setting at its best. Fall: Clear ocean views. Year-round: Fort ruins accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this before Lexington and Concord?
Yes — on December 14, 1774, 400 Patriots stormed Fort William and Mary, overpowering the small British garrison and seizing 100 barrels of gunpowder and 16 cannons. This occurred four months before the “shot heard round the world” at Lexington (April 19, 1775). The stolen gunpowder was later used at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Paul Revere’s ride to Portsmouth to coordinate the raid is largely forgotten.
⚔️ Visit Fort Constitution SHS
FIRST offensive attack of the Revolution — Dec 14, 1774, before Lexington!
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Constitution State Historic Site — at New Castle Island at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor — preserves the ruins of Fort William and Mary, site of one of the first overt acts of the American Revolution. On December 14, 1774 — four months before Lexington and Concord — 400 New Hampshire patriots stormed the British fort and seized gunpowder and cannons. The fort’s harbor location provides views of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and the Isles of Shoals. Common eiders and harbor seals are seen in the harbor.
Nearby Attractions
Portsmouth — 2 miles west — has a historic downtown, Strawbery Banke Museum (10-acre living history museum), and waterfront restaurants. New Castle — adjacent — is the smallest town in NH. Isles of Shoals — 6 miles offshore — have Star Island conference center. Odiorne Point State Park — 3 miles south — has the Seacoast Science Center.
