Plan of the Penobscot Expedition (Castine Historical Society)
Fort George Cannon
It's more powerful to learn history where it happened.
Against the backdrop of Fort George and nearby Fort Griffin, hear the complicated stories and learn about the historical landscape of the American Revolution and War of 1812 in Castine on this second annual Jane's Walk. Hosted by the Castine History Partners and co-led by the directors of the Castine Historical Society and the Wilson Museum, this walk will engage participants in critical conversations about the broader ideas and ideals of the American Revolution and what it can tell us about today’s challenges.
In case you didn’t know, Castine’s revolutionary history is complicated! Stories of both patriots and loyalists, often ignored stories of the critical role of Indigenous people in the Revolution, challenges to heroic narratives of American leaders, and stories of American failure and defeat. It’s all there. But all this complication makes history extra interesting!
Join us as we begin conversations that will take us towards America 250 in just a couple of years.
This walk corresponds with the launch of the newest history tour, A Tale of Two Wars, produced by the Castine History Partners.
Walk Logistics
The walk will take place primarily at Fort George, which includes some uneven surfaces and fairly steep inclines, but covers a relatively small area. Participants who wish can join a side trip to Fort Griffith, a 0.6 mile walk on a paved road (driving is also an option). The walk will start and end at the flagpole at the front of Fort George, adjacent to the parking lot off Wadsworth Cove Road. Search “Fort George Castine” in either Google or Apple maps and it will take you right there. For those who wish to also visit Fort Griffith, directions will be provided on site. The walk will start at 4:00 pm and take about 90 minutes (depending on questions and conversations!). Parking is limited, and Maine Maritime Academy Commencement is that morning, so carpooling is recommended.
What is Jane’s Walk?
Jane’s Walk is a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement.
Not in the Castine area? Find a Jane’s Walk near you at www.mainepreservation.org/janes-walk-me.
The annual Jane’s Walk festival takes place the first weekend in May, in more than 200 cities and towns around the globe. This year, it will be held in Maine on Saturday, May 4.