Fort H.G. Wright and the Defense of the Race

Join us for an illustrated talk on the history of Fort H.G. Wright by Terrance McGovern, author of eight books on fortifications and long-time officer of the Coast Defense Study Group.

WHEN: Sunday, August 31, 2025.
TIME: 4 p.m.
PLACE: In person at the Museum, 2nd Floor and virtual via zoom.
Reception to follow.

Terry will trace the role of the fort in the defense of the eastern entrance of Long Island Sound from its founding in 1900 to its deactivation in 1949, followed by the sale and transfer of properties in 1958. The presentation will explore how the fort was first developed as part of a chain of forts defending the Race and remained a very active post through two world wars. Components of the fort to be examined include its 12 gun emplacements, controlled mine defenses, small arms ranges, various buildings, and its small airfield.

Terrance McGovern has authored eight books and numerous articles on fortifications, four of those books being for Ospreys Fortress Series (American Defenses of Corregidor and Manila Bay 1898 1945; Defenses of Pearl Harbor and Oahu 1907 50; American Coastal Defenses 1885 1950; Defenses of Bermuda 1612-1995). He has also published 12 books on coast defense and fortifications through Redoubt Press or CDSG Press. Terry was Chairman of the US-based Coast Defense Study Group and continues to be a long-time officer. He has also been the editor of the Fortress Study Group annual journal, FORT. He is a director of the International Fortress Council, the Council on America s Military Past, Fort Miles Historical Association, and International Naval Research Organization. He is also an appointed Trustee for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Fort Monroe Authority Board.