Maine's Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory

Mention Fort Knox to the average American, and it conjures up images of stacked gold bars in an impenetrable vault. However, by the banks of the Penobscot River in Maine stands another Fort Knox. Here, it's the view, not the treasure, that's priceless.

Maine's Fort Knox is the original - built in the 1840s and named for Henry Knox, America's first Secretary of War and a Maine resident. The Kentucky fort that houses the country's gold bullion reserves was established generations later, around the start of World War I. During this first half of the 19^th century, the Penobscot River was a key center of transportation and commerce for the booming lumber and shipbuilding industries. As such, it was an important strategic location in the ongoing skirmishes between American and British naval forces in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and thereafter.

Today, more than a century and a half later, Fort Knox is one of the most well-preserved forts along the Atlantic seacoast. The original cannon placements remain, along with examples of Hot Shot Furnaces. These small brick ovens were used to heat 32-pound cannonballs until they were red hot, so that when they struck the sides of wooden ships, they would set them on fire.

As important as the location of Fort Knox was militarily, it was also an important site for transportation in Maine. The site was built at the farthest point upriver that was navigable in the icy winter weather. As such, it was also the perfect spot for early ferry crossing and - beginning in 1931 - a bridge for the rapidly-growing automobile and truck traffic across the Penobscot.

The Waldo-Hancock Bridge, named for the two counties it connected, was a suspension bridge reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge built in the same era. For more than 70 years it operated as a toll road between coastal Maine and the central parts of the state, crossing the river directly adjacent to historic Fort Knox.

By earlier this century, however, it became clear that the quickly-corroding bridge needed to be replaced. Safety was a top concern, as was the 40-mile detour that was required if the bridge was closed.

The new bridge was designed to be reminiscent of the Washington Monument in the nation's capital. This was fitting, as the same officer was in charge of building both Fort Knox and the monument, and because granite from Maine's Mount Waldo was used in the construction of both the fort and the monument - as well as the new bridge. Like the Washington Monument, the bridge features an observation deck at the top of one of its support columns. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory rises 420 feet above the riverbank, and is the tallest public bridge observatory in the world - and the only one in the western hemisphere.

From the top of the Observatory, visitors get a 360-degree view of the glorious Maine countryside, including spectacular views of the river and Fort Knox directly below. It is an unmatched vantage point from which to take in the spectacular foliage of a New England fall day.

Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory are located on Route 174 in Bucksport, Maine. They are open from May 1^st to October 31^st. A nominal admission charge allows access to both attractions. Picnic facilities are available on the grounds of the fort.