Peaks Island Military Reservation, Maine

Peaks Island Military Reservation (Peaks Island, Portland, Maine)

Peaks Island, Portland · Maine · World War II

Quick BriefPeaks Island Military Reservation, completed in 1942, served as the operational hub of Portland Harbor's coastal defenses during World War II, hosting approximately 900 soldiers who manned multiple gun batteries and fire control stations. The reservation's centerpiece, Battery Steele, mounted two massive 16-inch guns capable of striking targets 26 miles distant, and remains the largest such installation ever constructed by the U.S. Army.

Coastal defenseOpen to visitors

History & Significance

Completed in 1942 as part of World War II, the reservation encompassed 14 acres on the oceanside area of Peaks Island, located in Casco Bay offshore Portland, Maine. The Peaks Island Military Reservation consisted of a total of 58 military structures, including gun emplacements, range-finding bunkers, fire-control posts, barracks, watchtowers, and searchlight bases.

With some 900 soldiers stationed at the reservation, it served as operation central for the protection of South Portland's shipyards, where more than 200 Liberty ships were built, as well as Portland harbor and the coastline from Kennebunk to Popham. Battery Steele, the reservation's principal fortification, was armed with two 16-inch guns and, with a 12-inch gun battery at Fort Levett on Cushing Island, replaced all previous heavy guns in the Harbor Defenses of Portland.

These were the largest land-based guns in the history of American Coastal Defenses. All US coast defenses were abandoned and most of the guns scrapped shortly after World War II.

In 1957, a wildfire raced across Peaks Island, destroying all but a dozen of the military buildings. Battery Steele, maintained by the Peaks Island Land Preserve, remains undeveloped.

Key Facts

StateMaine

LocationPeaks Island, Portland

Established1942

Decommissioned1945

War / eraWorld War II

Current statusState or National Park

Coordinates43.65888889, -70.18055556

NRHP reference82000745

Map

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🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Massive concrete Battery Steele gun emplacements with two 16-inch artillery pieces
Oceanside fortification overlooking Casco Bay and Portland Harbor
World War II coastal defense infrastructure and bunker systems
14-acre wooded reservation with walking trails and water views

Best time to visitSpring (May-June) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds; summer brings warmth but tourist season, while winters are cold with potential snow.

Getting thereFly into Portland International Jetport (PWM), approximately 10.5 km from Peaks Island; drive to Portland and take ferry or private boat to Peaks Island.

From the nearest major airportPortland International Jetport (PWM)🚗 9 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 37 min drive

Peaks Island Military Reservation (Peaks Island, Portland, Maine)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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