the fort at #4

Tried to visit here today but could only look over the fence. The web site said that they were open on Columbus holiday Monday from 1100 till 1600 (they are normally closed on Monday and Tuesday) but there was nobody around when we arrived just after 1100 so all we could do was take a quick peek and drive away, very disappointing and just glad we hadn't made a long detour to pay a visit.

We participated in the annual colonial wine and cheese seminar on Saturday evening. It was knowledgeably led by a reinactor in colonial garb. There were about two dozen participants and we were intoduced to some great French and Portugese wines that Thomas Jefferson favored and had shipped home. We tasted about a dozen wines by candle light, and sampled some great cheeses. This is a fund raiser event and we're happy to support Fort at Number four in such an enjoyable way! We're looking forward to the Hatvest Dinner in November.

The Fort at #4 is more than a single attraction. Besides the annual French & Indian War and American Revolution re-enactment weekends, there is a Native Heritage Weekend and a calendar full of special weekend activities. The fort is a hidden gem to be included in weekend getaways and summer vacations.

very nice helpful people looking after this site. beautifully re-created, with a very inspiring and authentic feeling. It sounds like they also have some great events. My second visit and just as enjoyable

If passing by or if you are a huge American history buff, stop by. If not, this is not a major destination. The 'fort' is actually a reenactment of an 18th century village with about a dozen buildings that you can wander in and out of. We were fortunate today that there was a very nice gentleman who was acting as the docent. He had oodles of knowledge which he was more than willing to share. His enthusiasm was obvious. Without his input, this attraction would not have earned three stars from us. He helped make the visit worthwhile.

My husband loves anything related to wars and battles so this was perfect for him. They had costumed volunteers who were very knowledgable about the fort and the time period. They even showed us the garden they were making and answered any and all questions. Learned about the people who lived there and why they lived there. It was a very interesting lesson and the property is gorgeous.

What a perfect destination for a fall day, the Fort at No. 4 in Charlestown, New Hampshire is not only a learning experience, but if you find early American history interesting, you'll find this spot right up your alley. When reenactors are at the Fort, time seems to go backwards and the feeling you are living history in the 1740s seems almost real. You can get caught up in the excitement but overall you are being taught what a day in the life of an early settler was like. We waited for a day where nothing would be going on so we could take pictures without infringing on other visitors. Even with the Fort almost to ourselves there are things to see that we could focus better on without being in the thick of things. Each room in the Fort is accessible and filled with useable tools. There are also bedrooms and various residences; outside are a blacksmith shop, a saw pit, a corn and cow barn, and gardens. There is even one building where an exhibit on Indian dwellings are set up. Our favourite is the Long Hall. The long and varied history of the Fort is provided by a tour guide who will take you round or you can go around the Fort on your own and read the plaques to learn what each building contains and its history which begins in the 1740s to 1777. If you climb the guard tower you can see the Connecticut River, a beautiful sight to behold on an autumn day. Besides touring the Fort there are events throughout the season from May to November. Besides the Revolutionary War Weekend (last August) there are lectures (Pickpockets, rogues & highwaymen - Oct 26), Spinning Wheel Workshop (Nov 2), and a Harvest Dinner at $25 a plate on Nov. 23 just to name a few. There is a gift shop but it is small and limited. However, the experience of the Fort all on its own merit, will fascinate not only the adult but the child as well.

We specifically chose to visit Fort No. 4 for two reasons: one, we wanted to add New Hampshire to our list of states visited and two, we've been studying the beginnings of the USA and this covers a time period hard to find elsewhere.The costumed volunteer docents were very informative and engaging. Going in the fall as we did is an excellent time to avoid crowds and have personal attention! It was great to be able to see firsthand what it would have been like to have lived "on the frontier" back in the 1700s before the Revolutionary War!Seems a little high priced, but I also understand how hard it must be to maintain the fort.

I was at this fort for it's Revolutionary War weekend, and got to see a "battle" and walk around the "camp." I was with friends who have 9 year old twins, and the twins loved it. I also enjoyed walking around in the fort buildings and talking with the re-enactors. I don't know what it is like when there is no event going on, but I imagine it is still enjoyable.

Traveling through Vermont my son begged to go to NH, just to say we'd been there. 2 miles inside the state line we stumbled on The Fort at #4. We've visited many forts but this was my 10 year old favorite. I think b/c it was so easy to picture what their life was like and how they had to live to protect themselves/each other. I loved that my 5th grader really "got it". Textbooks just don't have this kind of impact. There was a wonderful gentleman in Indian costume that spoke to us at length and was very knowledgable - the kids loved him. Doesn't take long...maybe 2 hours, but if you're in the neighborhood and you like history this is a great stop. Our kids are 11 &10 and they really enjoyed it.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY IN THE AREA, it is a great detour to check out Fort # 4. It's an easy stop via Charleston and its well worth the cost. It's educational, convenient and a very cool glimpse into 18th century New England life. At one point it was the edge of the frontier and looking across the CT river you can envision how close it was must have felt to the end of the known (or at least safe) world. Definitely suggest going. Plan in spending about an hour there!

I've a huge history buff, a historian, and a history teacher, so I've been to MANY historic sites. The fort is a very nice reconstruction but is very poorly presented. The only information that I received was a simple paper pamphlet which tells nothing about the history of the fort or the area and only gives very basic descriptions of each part of the fort. The signs outside of each of the areas of the fort give rudimentary information and were clearly typed on a computer, printed, and inserted into plastic sleeves. There was little to no information inside any of the buildings or rooms. Furthermore, only one historical interpreter was working at the fort (on a Friday in the summer), yet they call it a living history museum. The museum needs a real curator who can present the information in a more engaging and informing way. I spent less than 15 minutes at the fort and paid $7 to get in. Very disappointing indeed.

I have lived in NH my entire life, and had no idea such a historic place was in my own backyard! Today there was a French and Indian War reenactment that was just outstanding! The Fort itself was so interesting. Period furniture and household set ups that showed how the people of that time lived. A cannon in the bedroom? Why not. I would highly recommend a day at this fort, especially for families with kids, it's very hands on. I'll be going back in August for the Revolutionary War reenactment!

Very interesting and some hands on - we made butter and played with old time toys. Building are rustic and genuine and tour guides very informative. I went with the school as a chaperone and students seemed very engaged - head of the fort could have been a bit more kid friendly but the rest of the staff was great! Not sure how structured it is for people coming in off the street.

Always child friendly and a great learning experience for the young or old about how the early settlers and natives lived their lives.