Newport, Rhode Island's Fort Adams-- Part 1: Actually, There Were Two Forts

From Wikipedia.

Last week I wrote about the USNA coming to Newport, Rhode Island, during the Civil War.  Newport was protected by Fort Adams.

Established in 1799 as a First System Fort and named for the incumbent president at the time, John Adams. This former U.S. Army post was first commanded by Captain John Henry, who was later instrumental in teh starting of the War of 1812.  Today it is part of Fort Adams State Park.

The first Fort Adams was designed by Major Louis de Tousard and mounted 17 cannons.  During the War of 1812 it was garrisoned by Wood's State Corps of Rhode Island militia.

After the War of 1812, it was decided to replace the first Fort Adams with a newer and larger fort.  This one was designed by Brigadier general Simon Bernard who had served under Napoleon.  It became the most complex fortification in the Western Hemisphere.

--Old B-Runner