• Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine is home to a variety of spectacular areas.
  • The Portland Head Lighthouse is situated along the shores and is a popular landmark.
  • An arboretum developed for conservation efforts of the park, the historic Battery Keyes, a beach, and an award-winning museum offer quiet contemplation, history lessons, and family-friendly destinations.

History

  • In 1776, people in the town of Cape Elizabeth committed to independence along with the rest of the colonies, to cut ties with British rule.
  • Eight soldiers stood guard at Portland Head since that day, to warn the town to prepare for British attacks, as fear of war and battle loomed over the entire coast.
  • Construction of a lighthouse began in 1787 at Portland Head, and development of the first Keeper’s Quarters started in 1790, when the Federal Government then took responsibility for every lighthouse in the country.
  • Arming Portland Harbor has been crucial to defending the United States since the American Revolution, and continued through World War II with the armed fortification of Fort Gorges, Fort Preble, Fort Scammel, and Fort Williams.
  • Now a national park, these forts, and the surrounding areas, are open to the public.
  • The grounds offer walking paths, cliff walks, and spectacular views of the new arboretum.

The Lighthouse

From the Portland Head lighthouse, visitors can see waves crashing on the shores of Cape Elizabeth, Portland Harbor, and four additional lighthouse towers. Small excursion boats slow to take pictures and cruise ships are frequent in September and October.

Visitors may also see buoys bobbing in the water, marking lobster traps for the delicious dinner they plan for later that night. Lobstermen pull these traps several times a week and timing a visit just right could result in an exciting sight.

When fog is dense, the sound of the fog horn reminds visitors of the importance of lighthouses and storms often create waves that crash much higher up on the surrounding lighthouses than is usual on a bright day.

Battery Keyes

  • One of the last batteries built at the fort, this concrete structure defended against small, fast attack boats at a range of four and a half miles.
  • In a point and shoot battle, two rapid-fire guns on pedestals fired out into the harbor and protected the shooters with a shield.
  • Electronically controlled mines fired from this location with the use of an observation station relaying information on ship locations.
  • The empty battery sits abandoned today and is full of fascinating history and artifacts just waiting for discovery.

The Arboretum

Visitors can stroll along Cliffside, observing the native landscape, take pictures atop the beautiful stone walls, or just take in the view of Casco Bay. Lighthouse View is a meadow adjacent to the lighthouse with native wildflowers and is meant to raise awareness of stewardship of the environment.

  • The Children’s Garden is designed to inspire children to play, explore, and discover nature.
  • By stimulating imagination and encouraging interaction with the environment, children can create lasting connections with the world around them.
  • The garden promotes healthy childhood development and increases their understanding of the importance of protecting the earth.
  • Children can learn and explore in a woodland full of birdsong, a pond of frogs and dragonflies, a gopher tunnel, and a lookout fort.
  • The area continues developing with more features planned for the near future, including a meadow and a living willow tunnel and dome.

The planning phases of new landscapes are underway to provide refuge for wildlife and wonder for visitors as they share the space. Success for all continued processes depends on the help of donors, volunteers, and the visitors who love and respect the area.

Beach Area

  • Ship Cove is a small sandy beach on the north side of the island that appears at low tide, and all are welcome to dip their toes into some frigid water on a hot day.
  • Benches and picnic tables make this a great place to relax with a family lunch and enjoy the weather while listening to waves lapping on the beach.

Museum and Gift Shop

  • Built in the former Keepers’ House, the museum proudly displays the history of the place where the Portland Head Light resides, and the families that served.
  • Exhibits with artifacts, documents, navigational aids, models, and pictures tell the story of a time when technology was not as advanced, and the lighthouse was in active use.
  • Gifts and souvenirs are available for purchase.

Fort Williams Park is home to many attractions that captivate visitors of all ages. The Children’s Park, the arboretum, the lighthouse, and the museum come together to make an excellent place for people to relax, enjoy the beauty of Maine, and reconnect with nature and the wonders it brings.

Location: Fort Williams Park 1000 Shore Road Cape Elizabeth Maine 04107, Phone: 207-799-2661

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