Fort St-Mathieu

Haytham and Kaniehtí:io looking at the fort

Fort St-Mathieu was a fortified location built in the American Frontier near the trail to New York City. During the French and Indian War, it was the home of a section of General Edward Braddock's military force and run by the British until after the American Revolutionary War.

In 1754, it was infiltrated by the former Templar Grand Master Haytham Kenway for information on Braddock's plans, and later infiltrated by the Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton to give to the Continental Army.

History

Built sometime before the French and Indian War, it was created as a sort of housing for Braddock's soldiers, as well as the Colonial militia. The fort was also a protective location to watch over the entrance to New York City from the frontier, located on a cliff-side for both Naval and ground attacks. During the winter of 1754, Braddock had several of his men gather there to prepare for the Braddock Expedition. Some of these soldiers included George Washington and John Fraser at the time.

Haytham disabling one of the fort's cannons

Despite some disputes on the 'expedition,' Washington and Fraser kept the plans within the command tent at the upper level of the fort. After sneaking inside within a cargo wagon, Haytham stole the plans for later use against Braddock, as well as sabotaged the defense cannons.

Several years later, the fort was used to hold British soldiers attacking New York City. At one point, Ratonhnhaké:ton killed the fort's officer and destroyed its gunpowder supplies, allowing for the Continentals to take control and use it for expanding their efforts.

Layout and Arms

Built along the a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the fort had two entrances, a main and side opening. A less accessible entrance was also available from the ocean if one were to climb the cliff-side. Overlooking these entrances at the land and ocean were six separate watchtowers, two for the waters, three for the ground, and one for the fort exclusively. At the ocean-side, three cannons were set up in case of Naval activity, accessible just below the watch-towers.

In the style of the time period, each wall was made from wood, which was also the main raw material that the fort held within in the form of cut logs. Within the walls were two official stone buildings, used for the quartering of the several troops that guarded the area. There was also a well, several sheds, weapons, a chest, a powder supply, and several resource piles.

Outside the walls, several barricades were set up to defend the the more exploitable sections of the walls, and several tree stumps were scattered throughout the boundaries. Also guarding the fort from the ocean were at least three large ships, fitted to assist in both Naval and Land situations.

Trivia

• Fort St-Mathieu was the demo fort shown at E3 2012 to present Assassin's Creed III
  • During this time, the fort was run by Silas Thatcher, and the Continental Army assisted in the attack.
• It is the first official fort that is visited in Assassin's Creed III
• Following the pattern of the other available forts, the appearance is slightly different depending on the year visited.
  • When Haytham entered, there were several more plants and tents, while more sheds and supply deposits replaced these when Ratonhnhaké:ton did.

Reference

• Assassin's Creed III