Fort Massachusetts
After the War of 1812, Third System forts were built along the American coastline to create an armed presence and to deter foreign invasions. Located on present day West Ship Island, Fort Massachusetts is a brick and masonry fort commissioned for national defense. Built on the western tip of the island, the D-shaped fortification was designed to house thirty-seven cannons. Planning by the United States Army Corps of Engineers began in 1856; however, construction did not start immediately. During the Civil War, the fort and island changed hands several times before construction was complete. Both Union and Confederate militaries coveted the island due to its strategic location to shipping channels, New Orleans, Mobile and the Mississippi mainland. The fort was not completed until 1866, after the Civil War ended.
Secretary of War Jefferson Davis successfully lobbied Congress for the “fort on Ship Island.” However, progress was slow due to the harsh environment and the rampant disease. Two years into construction, Mississippi state militia harassed federal laborers on the island, resulting in project abandonment. Later, two hundred and thirteen Confederate soldiers occupied the island and named the structure Fort Twiggs after Major General David E. Twiggs. In July, a Union gunboat came within range of Fort Twiggs and a battle ensued resulting in zero casualties. In September 1861, the Confederates abandoned the island. Marines and Sailors stationed aboard the U.S.S. Massachusetts landed, raised the American flag and named the fort after their ship. Again under Union control, construction of the fort resumed and was completed in 1866. Unused for decades, the government sold the fort’s cannons for scrap metal in 1901. Three decades later, the American Legion bought Fort Massachusetts. Finally, in 1971, Fort Massachusetts and Ship Island became part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Fort Massachusetts and West Ship Island are accessible by ferry from Gulfport or by private boat. Access to the island is day use only. Ranger-led tours of historic Fort Massachusetts are scheduled daily during spring and summer. Please contact the park at 228-230-4100 or www.nps.gov/guis for more information. The ferry service can be contacted at 228-864-1014 or www.msshipisland.com.
