Fort Phoenix Encampments

Em&Alex At the suggestion of Fairhaven Village Militia member Ellsworth “Ellie” Sylvaria Jr., in September 2003 an overnight historical encampment was held on the 225th anniversary of the British raid on Fort Phoenix. The event, co-sponsored by the Fairhaven Office of Tourism, was the first time in twenty years that period reenactors set up camp at the fort. The highlight encampment was the firing of the fort’s 24-pound cannons at sunset. The success of the weekend led to it becoming an annual event. After several years a second yearly encampment was added in May.

Visitors to these events are be able to see authentically dressed men, women, and children living in a Revolutionary War era camp, military drilling, campfire cooking, and musket and cannon firing demonstrations. They can learn about camp and home life in the 1700s, leather working, tin smithing, and other colonial practices. They may also try their hand at a variety of children’s games.

John Tin Smith