Simply Ledyard CT

In Recognition of the War of 1812 Bicentennial, the Town of Ledyard, Styron LLC, Gales Ferry United Methodist Church  and Boy Scout Troop 12 are sponsoring guided tours of Mount Decatur, site of War of 1812  Fort Decatur, in Gales Ferry.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 7^th from 10 am to 1 pm.  

Visitors to the Fort should park in the Gales Ferry United Methodist Parking lot at 10 Chapman Lane in Gales Ferry.  All visitors will be required to sign a liability release form.  Tours will be guided by Scouts from Troop 12 and should take between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Please note the following information to all visitors:

1) The hike is fairly strenuous on uneven and steeply sloping trails.  Persons of poor health or limited mobility should not attempt this hike.

2) All visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes and bring any sunscreen or bug repellent they may need.

3) Appropriate clothing to offer protection from thorns and branches should also be worn.

4) Bottled water will be provided at the top of the hill.  The only available restroom facilities are those at the Gales Ferry United Methodist Church.

Fort Decatur was established by Commodore Stephen Decatur in 1813 when his fleet of 3 ships was bottled up by the British Fleet.  Unable to rejoin his squadron, Decatur fortified the hilltop with cannons, and structures made of earth and stone. Remnants of the fort include stone structures and a monument inscribed on a boulder.