Saco Valley

Garrisons, Block-Houses, and Forts in the Saco Valley

Saco Fort in 1699

During the Indian wars, settlers along the Saco River constructed various fortifications for protection. Some were built individually, while others were financed by the Provincial Government. Notable structures included Saco Fort, established in 1693, and Fort Mary, built in 1708. These fortifications served as refuges during Indian threats, housing troops and local inhabitants. The construction of blockhouses and stockades ensured safety, although residents faced hardships during sieges. Many forts were later abandoned as peace returned, marking the challenging experiences of early settlers in the Saco Valley.

Lovewell’s Defeat in the Saco Valley

saco valley settlements and families cover

The account recounts the ill-fated expedition led by Captain John Lovewell against the Sokokis at Pequawket in 1725. Despite initial success in hunting Indians for bounties, Lovewell’s company of forty-six men faced a fierce ambush from the superior forces of Chief Paugus. The battle, fueled by mercenary motives, resulted in heavy casualties for Lovewell’s side, including his own death. The survivors faced dire hardships returning to safety, underscoring the tragic consequences of their violent endeavor against the indigenous people.