New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Standing tall in the southernmost point of New Bedford lies the historic “Fort Rodman” at Fort Taber Park. This military structure is named after Lt. Col. William Logan Rodman who was the highest ranking soldier from New Bedford to be killed in action during the Civil War.
He died leading his men in battle during the assault on Port Hudson, Louisiana, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.
Fort Rodman was built with granite shipped from Fall River, Massachusetts and Sullivan, Maine. It was built to serve as a link in the coastal defense system of federal forts in between Portland, Maine and Long Island, New York.
Before the granite fort could be completed, the Civil War broke out which halted the construction. Not wanting to wait in a time of war, Mayor Issac C. Taber decided to build a “earthworks fort” adjacent to the half built granite fort. This fort was armed and operational throughout the civil war while Fort Rodman was awaiting the finishing construction.
After the Civil war concluded, the war department ceased construction of Fort Rodman leaving the third tier incomplete. The unused granite blocks were then used to build the seawall which lines the beach that we all walk and enjoy today.
Checkout some beautiful aerial footage of how Fort Rodman looks today.
Is that it on the facts? Who was in charge of construction? What was the company’s name? What was Robert E.Lee’s connection to the Fort? What happened to the canons? How many men were assigned to garrison? And while you’re at it, Who was the highest ranking member to serve in the military from New Bedford? How many Medal of Honor winners are buried in New Bedord?