Cover Story piece on Maine\u27s Fort Knox, which was saved from the ravages of ti

Cover Story piece on Maine\u27s Fort Knox, which was saved from the ravages of time by the Friends of Fort Knox led by University of Maine philosophy professor George MacLeod and Prospect selectman and local contractor John Hyk. The imposing granite fortifications at the mouth of the Penobscot River were first erected by the federal government at a cost of more than $1 million in 1844 after a border dispute with the British called the Aroostook War. The 133-cannon fort has been owned by the State of Maine since 1923. State officials had estimated Fort Knox needed $3.2 million worth of work. Hyk and MacLeod, using a design-build concept and avoiding a general contractor figures they could cut the price to $.6 million. The Friends have campaigned hard and a recent bond issue brought the project $1 million. The need for funds continues and Hyk estimates it will cost tens of thousands annually just to keep the fort\u27s doors open