Fort Williams (Cape Elizabeth, Maine)
Cape Elizabeth · Maine · World War I, World War II, Cold War
History & Significance
A 14-acre purchase in 1872 near Portland Head Light established a sub-post to Fort Preble. Construction of defensive structures began as early as 1873, though the area was not formally established as a military reservation until 1891.
The fortification became known as Fort Williams on 13 April 1899, named in honor of Brevet Major General Seth Williams, Assistant Adjutant General for the U.S. Army. The fort originally contained three batteries—Sullivan, DeHart, and Hobart, all built between 1896 and 1898, with three additional 2-gun batteries added later: Battery Blair (12-inch disappearing guns, 1903), Battery Garesché (6-inch disappearing guns, 1906), and Battery Keyes (3-inch rapid-firing guns, 1906).
During World War I, the fort was fully manned by artillery companies of the Coast Artillery Corps and Maine National Guard troops. In 1917, guns from Batteries Sullivan and Garesché were removed to ship to France, though only one 6-inch gun actually reached France.
In early World War II, the 8th Coast Artillery Regiment of the Regular Army and the 240th Coast Artillery Regiment of the Maine National Guard were the major units garrisoning the fort. Fort Williams officially closed on 30 June 1962 and was sold to the Town of Cape Elizabeth on 1 December 1964. The Cape Elizabeth Town Council designated the property as Fort Williams Park on 23 July 1979.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Preserved disappearing gun batteries and artillery emplacements spanning WWI to Cold War eras
- Scenic coastal setting overlooking Portland Harbor with lighthouse and ocean views
- Fort structures and fortifications from 1872 occupation period
- Walking paths through park grounds with preserved military infrastructure
- Historic defense system protecting Portland naval anchorage
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Williams_(Maine)
- https://fortwilliams.org/park-history/
- https://maineanencyclopedia.com/fort-williams/
- https://www.cehistory.org/
- https://www.capeelizabeth.gov/departments/community_services_fort_williams_park/fort_williams_park/index.php