On a day off, we headed west toward Belfast, Maine, to see this beautiful bridge. This cable-stayed bridge was opened in 2006. It is one of only four observation bridges in the world. The only one in the United States. Our first experience was driving over this beautiful 2,120 foot long bridge on US 1 near Bucksport spanning the Penobscot River. We bought a combination ticket to the top of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and also to adjacent Fort Knox. The elevator took us 420 feet up to the observatory at the top of the eastern bridge pillar. This was considered the 2nd floor on the elevator.
Fort Knox State Historic Site
Adjacent to the bridge is Fort Knox, built to protect the defenseless Penobscot River from the British. All enemy ships traveling upriver to Bangor must travel past the narrows of the Penobscot River. Construction began in 1844.The fort was occupied only twice, during the Civil War and the Spanish American War. No enemy ships ever appeared on the Penobscot or threatened the towns upriver. The fort has two levels and contain mounts for 135 cannons. Fort Knox was the first and largest fort built in Maine. 
Belfast, Maine
Penobscot Narrows Bridge in the background.
Formerly a prosperous ship building town on the Maine coast. The town contains many early Victorian homes built by wealthy sea merchants. This fishing town is located on Penobscot Bay. We took the one mile Belfast Harbor Walk along the downtown waterfront.
Fort Point Lighthouse
We stopped briefly at Fort Point State Park to view the Fort Point Lighthouse built in 1836 located at the mouth of the Penobscot River.
One of the only remaining fog bell towers, built in 1890, stands just beyond Fort Point Lighthouse.
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