Fort Massachusetts was one of the last Third System forts constructed. It is located on Ship Island, 13 miles south of Gulfport, Mississippi. The importance of this location is the strategic deep water harbor located near the island. It was used by the British to stage their invasion of New Orleans in the War of 1812.
Construction of Fort Massachusetts did not began until 1859, and by the beginning of the Civil War, little had been completed. It was occupied by a short time by the Confederates, however they later abandoned it to the Federals. The island was later used by the Federal troops to stage their invasion of New Orleans. Construction of the fort continued during the Civil War, with supplies brought in by ship from the North. Construction ended by 1866. The fort was never fully armed, and only manned by caretaker detachments from the end of the Civil War until its abandonment by the army around 1900.
Fort Massachusetts has a round face which oriented toward the deep water harbor. Originally the fort was located 500 feet from the west end of Ship Island. It is now more than 1 mile from the west end of the island, and sand has been dredged and placed to protect the south side of the fort from the water.
The rear of Fort Massachusetts faces the island. This side of the fort contains the sallyport, and is defended by two half bastions to flank the sallyport.
The half bastions of the fort are located next two the guardrooms, which contain loopholes for the forts defenders to fire through.Continue
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