[3][4] After the first fort was built on the site in 1635, the next upgrade was a rudimentary fortified breastwork in 1703 for Queen Anne's War.

[5] He arrived at Stage Head circa 1626 and is credited as the Cape Ann colony's first governor.

He resided in a "great house" near Stage Head, which was moved to Salem by his successor John Endecott circa 1628.

An armament list for the fort dated January 31, 1865 shows three 32-pounder smoothbore guns mounted.

It is open to the public in Stage Fort Park, which also includes Gloucester's welcome center for visitors.