{"id":556506,"date":"2026-05-08T15:54:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T15:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/?p=556506"},"modified":"2026-05-08T15:54:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T15:54:58","slug":"discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/?p=556506","title":{"rendered":"Discover 15 U.S. Military Forts Featured in Stunning Images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photography Competition"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"tagline article-tagline\" itemprop=\"description\">These military installations, whether currently operational or no longer in service, illustrate the diverse ways they embody the essence of the country<\/h2>\n<div class=\"article-line\">\n<section class=\"author-box by-line\" readability=\"1.2873563218391\">\n<div class=\"author-text\" readability=\"21.885057471264\">\n<p class=\"photographer\" itemprop=\"photographer\">\n<p>          Images curated by Jeff Campagna<\/p>\n<p class=\"author\" itemprop=\"author\">\n<p>          Written by<\/p>\n<p>          Tracy Scott Forson<\/p>\n<p>      <time class=\"pub-date\" itemprop=\"datePublished\" data-pubdate=\"May 8, 2026, 11:54 a.m.\">May 8, 2026 11:54 a.m.<\/time><\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<figure class=\"article-image lead-article-image\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition.webp\" alt=\"OPENER - The original state flag of Maine, from 1901, is flown as the schooner Timberwind emerges from the fog, passing Fort Gorges in Casco Bay.\" itemprop=\"image\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>                The original state flag of Maine, from 1901, is flown as the schooner <em>Timberwind<\/em> emerges from the fog, passing Fort Gorges in Casco Bay.<br \/>\n              <span class=\"credit\">Jean Cousins, Maine, 2020<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over 300 military forts are scattered throughout the United States. This count increases when including those in U.S. territories, such as Guam and Puerto Rico. Some are from Colonial times, predating America\u2019s independence, and were acquired from past foes. Others are expansive, contemporary communities featuring shops, schools, and bowling alleys, constructed to meet the daily requirements of military families while also advancing the Army\u2019s objective to \u201cdeploy, fight and win.\u201d Regardless of being historical, inactive, or new and bustling, these forts contribute to America\u2019s narrative and are showcased here in charming diversity. Have a look.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-1.webp\" alt=\"2 - Built in the early to mid-1800s, Fort Soledad, also referred to as Fort Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad, is a historic Spanish fortification located in Hum\u00e5tak. It became a public park after World War II.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Built in the early to mid-1800s, Fort Soledad, also referred to as\u00a0Fort Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Soledad, is a historic Spanish fortification located in Hum\u00e5tak. It became a public park after World War II.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Melissa Stiefel, Guam, 2013<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-2.webp\" alt=\"3 - Black Hawk pilots at Fort Carson practice with Bambi Buckets, designed to transport water for combating large fires.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Black Hawk pilots at Fort Carson practice with Bambi Buckets, designed to transport water for combating large fires.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Grace Margritz, Colorado, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-3.webp\" alt=\"4 - Dressed in Colonial-period uniforms, men at Fort McHenry discharge firearms in honor of Defenders\u2019 Day\u2014Baltimore\u2019s oldest holiday, which commemorates the city\u2019s successful repulse of British forces in 1814.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Dressed in Colonial-period uniforms, men at Fort McHenry discharge firearms in honor of Defenders\u2019 Day\u2014Baltimore\u2019s oldest holiday, which commemorates the city\u2019s successful repulse of British forces in 1814.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Joshua Eller, Maryland, 2011<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-4.webp\" alt=\"11 - Once a World War I training camp, the now-decommissioned Fort Ord has become a national monument.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Once a World War I training camp, the now-decommissioned Fort Ord has become a national monument.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Abby O&#8217;Rourke, California, 2012<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-5.webp\" alt=\"6 - The UH-60 Black Hawk\u2014the Army's primary utility chopper\u2014is commonly deployed in air assaults.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      The UH-60 Black Hawk\u2014the Army&#8217;s primary utility chopper\u2014is commonly deployed in air assaults.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Grace Margritz, Colorado, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-6.webp\" alt=\"7 - Soldiers engaged in battles from these tunnels at Fort Barrancas in Pensacola.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Soldiers engaged in battles from these tunnels at Fort Barrancas in Pensacola.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">William Finn, Florida, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-7.webp\" alt=\"8 - The Milky Way shines over Fort Crown Point. Built by the British on the site of the old French Fort St. Frederic in 1759, Crown Point was taken by American colonists in 1775. Its armaments were crucial for the Revolutionary efforts.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      The Milky Way shines over Fort Crown Point. Built by the British on the site of the old French Fort St. Frederic in 1759, Crown Point was taken by American colonists in 1775. Its armaments were crucial for the Revolutionary efforts.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Michael Catillaz, New York, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-8.webp\" alt=\"9 - Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Puerto Rico is among numerous forts constructed by the coastline to safeguard against invaders and protect shipping vessels.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Puerto Rico is among numerous forts constructed by the coastline to safeguard against invaders and protect shipping vessels.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Valeria Villegas-Medina, Puerto Rico, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-9.webp\" alt=\"10 - Artillery soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, fire shells from an M119A1 howitzer during a live-fire drill at Fort Drum.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      Artillery soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, fire shells from an M119A1 howitzer during a live-fire drill at Fort Drum.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Jessica George, New York, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-10.webp\" alt=\"5 - The abandoned military installation Fort Ord is adorned with graffiti on its walls.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      The abandoned military installation Fort Ord is adorned with graffiti on its walls.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Abby O&#8217;Rourke, California, 2012<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-11.webp\" alt=\"12 - The remnants of the officers\u2019 quarters at Fort Union National Monument in New Mexico remain intact. The fort served as a supply point and was a significant stop for traders and travelers along the Santa Fe Trail.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      The remnants of the officers\u2019 quarters at Fort Union National Monument in New Mexico remain intact. The fort served as a supply point and was a significant stop for traders and travelers along the Santa Fe Trail.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Steven Martin, New Mexico, 2015<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-12.webp\" alt=\"13 - An abandoned bottle and an oil lamp rest on a barrel in a weathered room at Fort Adams.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      An abandoned bottle and an oil lamp rest on a barrel in a weathered room at Fort Adams.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Kimberly Maines, Rhode Island, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-13.webp\" alt=\"14 - A soldier from the U.S. Army at Fort McHenry in Baltimore observes fireworks lighting up the sky to commemorate the 200th anniversary of \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner.\u201d\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      A soldier from the U.S. Army at Fort McHenry in Baltimore observes fireworks lighting up the sky to commemorate the 200th anniversary of \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Cody Torkelson, Maryland, 2014<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"article-image \">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/discover-15-u-s-military-forts-featured-in-stunning-images-from-the-smithsonian-magazine-photography-competition-14.webp\" alt=\"15 - This historic room at Fort Adams, once occupied by soldiers, now serves as a museum. Beyond its deteriorating walls, the fort hosts daily tours and yearly summer festivals.\" loading=\"lazy\"><figcaption class=\"caption\">\n<p>      This historic room at Fort Adams, once occupied by soldiers, now serves as a museum. Beyond its deteriorating walls, the fort hosts daily tours and yearly summer festivals.<\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"credit\">Kimberly Maines, Rhode Island, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"id_related_pages\" class=\"widget-related-articles\">\n<h3>You Might Also Enjoy<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expedia\" readability=\"9\">\n<h3>Considering Your Next Adventure?<\/h3>\n<p>Discover enticing travel offers<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimer\" readability=\"9\">\n      <i class=\"fa fa-asterisk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/p>\n<p>\n        <strong>Important Information for Our Readers<\/strong><br \/>\n        Smithsonian magazine engages in affiliate linking practices. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a commission.\n      <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<section class=\"tag-list\">\n<nav class=\"nav-tags\">\n<\/nav>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These military installations, whether currently operational or no longer in service, illustrate the diverse ways they embody the essence of the country Images curated by Jeff Campagna Written by Tracy Scott Forson May 8, 2026 11:54 a.m. The original state flag of Maine, from 1901, is flown as the schooner Timberwind emerges from the fog, passing Fort Gorges in Casco [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":556507,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-556506","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/556506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=556506"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/556506\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/556507"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=556506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=556506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winklersart.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=556506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}