TIL The US had to abandon construction of a border fort in New York State after realising that they'd accidentally built it on the Canadian side of the border. It was promptly nicknamed "Fort Blunder".

My headcanon of how it went down:

"Whatcha up to there, eh?"

(startled) "Wha-w-who the hell are you? This here is a US military installation! I don't know what the hell you think your doing, but unless you want an incident for invading not only US land...but also a military base you will vacate immediately!!!"

"Oh yeah, yeah. I understand conpletely. Can't be having another country over on your land all willy nilly-"

"If you understand, then move-"

"-Ah, but there is just one problem with that...whoa now...no need to reach for your firearms. We can keep this civil."

"I will not-"

"-You see...Captain? You see this here is our land. Canadian Land to be exact."

"Bullshi- Lieutenant let me see that map..."

(small amount of time later)

"Ah look...uh..."

"Yeah, yeah...see the thing is we can't just have another country on our land all will nilly...so I am going to need you to vacate............immediately."

"Shit"

Yeah, yeah. Don't get yourself down too much. Just a small blunder. I am sure if I ask nicely we might even allow you to try and haul it back to your country. Surely yall got a tractor, yeah? (takes a flask out, takes a swig) Ah sorry, I would offer you a taste, but I think you all have had enough already. Off with you now!"


"Captain, what the hell are we going to do with it? You don't think they can really haul it off do you?"

"No, not at all. But they are foolish enough to build a base without double checking where the hell they even are. I look forward to seeing if they try."

/r/todayilearned Thread Link - en.wikipedia.org