Fort Plain

 (1779-1790) - A Revolutionary War Fort established in 1779 near the present day town of Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York. Built under the direction of Colonel Dayton. Abandoned as a fortification between 1785 and 1790. Also known as Fort Rensselaer.

History of Fort Plain
Established as a Patriot fort during the Revolutionary War in 1779 on the south side of Mohawk River at the present day town of Fort Plain.

The plan of the fort was a stockaded quadrangle with a large three-story central blockhouse and two smaller blockhouses on opposite corners. The first story of the central blockhouse was thirty feet in diameter, the second forty, and the third fifty. The powder magazine of the fort was placed directly under the central blockhouse for protection.

In 1780-1781 a larger blockhouse was built. The Fort was the central focal point of some ten local fortifications, five of which formed a core defense. Used as a local Patriot headquarters after Fort Stanwix burned down in 1781.

Visited by George Washington on 31 Jul 1783 on his tour of the Mohawk valley fortifications.

In use as a fortification and garrisoned as late as 1785 but after that, the structures were dismantled and used to reconstruct buildings destroyed in the war. The fort was reportedly completely dismantled by 1790 except for the blockhouse which was torn down between 1796-1810.

Current Status
Markers only, with some significant disagreement on the date the fort was established with some sources indicating 1776 and others indicating 1780. See the Fort Plain Museum - Research Report for an in-depth discussion of the issues. Undergoing archeological exploration.

See Also:
 * Mohawk Valley Forts
 * Fort Stanwix

Sources:
 * , page 572-573.
 * Fort Plain Museum - Research Report

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Plain
 * York Military Museum - Fort Plain
 * Fort Plain Website