Queen's Fort

How To Get to the Fort

Overview

When It Was Active: 1674-1676
Occupied By: Queen Quaiapen and the Niantic peoples
Built By: Stonewall John (1674)
- The story of Stonewall John is a bit of a mystery. He is known to have constructed the fort, however, there is no clear evidence of his background. Some say he was a Native American that adopted English masonry techniques. Others say he was a rogue English engineer. Whatever his history, his construction of Queen’s Fort was revolutionary. This was one of the first Native American forts to be constructed of stone on high elevation. Many of the others were simple dirt redoubts with wooden pillars.

Area

This fort is located in the center of Chelsea Park in Exeter. The entrance to the trail is not well displayed, and you will need to park along the side of the roadway. The woodland surroundings offer a tranquil retreat. The terrain is quite rocky; it lies in a boulder field created long ago by glacier deposits. The trail to the fort is not well marked or maintained, however, using our picture guide, you should be able to find your way. Be prepared for a little bit of climbing.

Construction

The remaining recognizable structure of the fort is constructed out of the surrounding rock in a spiral formation. The simple wall formation is between 3-4 feet high, and only offers standing room for a few people. The main fort faces Southwest and sits high on the hill. Extending to the West and to the Northeast are the crumbled remains of what could possibly be rock walls as well. The wall to the West has the subtle remains of what could have been a small fire pit.

The position on the hill provides view of the surrounding valley

Strategy

This fort was a first of its kind. This historical landmark is one of the earliest signs of Native Americans taking advantage of high elevation. Previously, many of the regional tribes hunkered down in fortifications built in swamps. Sitting prominently on top of the hill, Queen’s Fort provided its occupants with a wide, sweeping view of the surrounding landscape, making it much easier to see potential threats. The same boulders that make it difficult for modern visitors to access the location served as important protection during this time as well. Any rush by colonial troops would be funneled up the one manageable path, allowing for the Natives to focus their fire into one central location. Difficult terrain and high elevation ultimately proved as defining characteristics of this fortification.

Narrative

Queen’s Fort has an interesting history that dates back to colonial times. Although it seems like a pile of old rocks, it was very useful for the native Niantic Tribe and their leader Queen Quaiapen. Queen Quaiapen’s story begins during King Phillip’s War in 1676. At the time, colonists were imposing on indigenous land, forcing tribes to retreat. Quaiapen, along with 200 Niantics, fled to the fort. The Niantics set up camps along the perimeter which is where they stayed, using the boulders as a safe haven. Unfortunately for the Queen, she and her people were captured and killed by colonists while traveling south in July, 1676. Legend has it that near the fort there is an underground room covered in white sand, known as the Queen’s chamber. Modern treasure hunters have failed to confirm its existence.

Queen Quaiapen