News Article Release

Naval Academy Researchers Uncover Clues to Historic Fort

April 18, 2012

MC3 Danian Douglas

A Naval Academy professor and group of midshipmen unearthed artifacts at Naval Support Activity Annapolis Apr. 14-15 during an archaeological dig to determine the location of a fort that once stood in that area.

Naval Academy history professor Mechelle Kerns Galway and several midshipman volunteers found .38 and .45 caliber rounds and a large concentration of non-industrial bricks similar to those in historical drawings of Fort Madison, which guarded the Annapolis harbor during both the Civil War and the War of 1812.

“President Thomas Jefferson requested forts and gun boats along the East Coast, to protect the trade and shipping industries, and since Annapolis was an important trading location during that time, it got two forts - Fort Severn and Fort Madison. This probably was the reason why Annapolis was never attacked during both conflicts,” said Kerns Galway, who specializes in 17th and 18th Century America and maritime trade.

In the course of her research, she has found drawings and maps of the fort. One map, dated 1854, shows a star shaped fort that was completed in 1809, but other maps show that it was one of two that were built on the same spot. The changes in these structures reflect the advancement in weaponry as well as infrastructural development, she said.

Kerns Galway said that if further digs and testing reveal the exact location of old fort, it might be eligible for entry into the National Archives because of its importance in the country’s history.

“The history of any given area helps people connect to it, and it’s important to tie the Naval Academy with the city of Annapolis,” she said. “Fort Madison played a major role in that.”

The project also gives midshipmen the opportunity to participate in a real archaeological dig.

“The dig was an awesome opportunity to learn a little about the archaeological community,” said Midshipman 3rd Class John Powers. “Professor Kerns had done an amazing amount of research and the evidence was definitely there. It’s interesting to know that something this historically significant has been sitting across the river from the Naval Academy for so long.”