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16 January 2025 | BeaufortLifestyle.comBehind every remarkable historic site is a story %u2014 not just of the place itself but of the role of Fort Fremont, which did not decrease after the Spanish-American War. Regular army troops did not arrive until March 1899 after the war. Before that, NC and SC volunteer troops were raised for the Spanish-American War and manned the fort. The fort had a conventional coast defense role under the army after the war. The decision to move the navy yard to Charleston in 1901 led to the fort being superfluous. The dry docks opened in Charleston in 1909. The troops at Fort Fremont were transferred to Texas in 1911, and only a detachment was left at the fort until it was disposed of. People are dedicated to preserving it. Fort Fremont's rich history as a Spanish-American War artifact is no exception. With its enduring legacy as a sentinel of American history, the talented board of visionaries who have partnered with Beaufort County to breathe new life into this treasured landmark is equally intriguing. At the heart of this effort is the vision of the late Pete Richards. This extraordinary leader helped rally a team of accomplished individuals with one shared mission: to reopen Fort Fremont as a welcoming, well-preserved destination for all. Each board member brings unique expertise, contributing to the transformation of Fort Fremont into a must-see site for locals and visitors alike. Yet, before we delve into the specific contributions of this team, let%u2019s explore the fort%u2019s origins, which begin with Fort Fremont%u2019s significant role in guarding the waters of Port Royal Sound and its enduring legacy as a sentinel of American history. %u201cFort Fremont, built on 170 acres by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1898-1899, once housed a hospital and barracks, and still contains two batteries%u2014Battery Jesup and Battery Finance.%u201d Brigadier General (retired) George Barnette (Barney) Forsythe, PhD, a 35-year U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, explains. Barney, now the Friends of Fort Fremont Board president, had moved to Beaufort, and his old friend Wendy Wilson asked him to become involved with Fort Fremont. Barney added, %u201cWendy%u2019s brother-in-law was my college roommate.%u201d Barney is a passionate advocate for preserving history and is dedicated to sharing the significance of Fort Fremont with the Beaufort community, which he proudly refers to as his %u201chome base.%u201dPRESERVING FORT FREMONTstory by KATE HAMILTON PARDEE photos courtesy of FRIENDS OF FORT FREMONT