Fort Blunder, also known as Fort Montgomery, is a fascinating piece of history located near Rouses Point, New York, on the northern tip of Lake Champlain. Its story is one of mistakes, misconceptions, and the complexities of international borders.
Originally constructed in 1816, the fort was intended to defend against potential British invasions from Canada following the War of 1812. However, due to a cartographic error, the fort was built on the wrong side of the border. The intended location was on the 45th parallel, the agreed-upon boundary between the United States and British North America (now Canada), as stipulated in the Treaty of Paris (1783) and the Treaty of Ghent (1814). However, surveying errors resulted in the fort being built roughly three-quarters of a mile south of the border, squarely in Canadian territory. The construction of the fort proceeded despite the error, and it was named after then-Secretary of War John C. Calhoun. It was a substantial undertaking, with thick stone walls, barracks, and artillery positions. However, the mistake was soon realized, and the fort was abandoned in 1819, as it was deemed strategically useless being in Canadian territory. Over the years, the fort fell into disrepair and became overgrown with vegetation, earning it the moniker "Fort Blunder." Its location presented a headache for both American and Canadian authorities. Various proposals were made to either demolish the fort or relocate it, but none came to fruition due to the high costs involved. In 1842, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty was signed, officially settling the boundary dispute between the United States and British North America. As a result, the border was adjusted slightly northward, placing Fort Montgomery (Fort Blunder) firmly within U.S. territory. However, by this time, the fort was in ruins, and there was little interest in restoring it. Today, Fort Blunder remains a curious historical site, occasionally visited by curious tourists and history enthusiasts. Some efforts have been made to preserve what remains of the fort and interpret its history for visitors. The story of Fort Blunder serves as a reminder of the complexities of border disputes and the enduring legacy of historical mistakes. Location ID #BR0127
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Historical Photographs:
The following historical photographs were provided by the Clinton County Historical Association Archives. For more great historical photographs please visit clintoncountyhistorical.org
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