fort preble

A central feature of the Spring Point Shoreway, the remains of Fort Preble form an architecturally interesting backdrop for a leisurely stroll along Casco Bay with stunning views of Maine's famed islands and Spring Point Light, one of few lighthouses regularly open to the public.

Although not staffed with docents, Fort Preble is interesting-enough to warrant a visit on an outing to view lighthouses in the Greater Portland area. It is located adjacent to Spring Point Ledge Light and has Portland Harbor Museum within its boundaries on the campus of Southern Maine Community College. So, you get three attractions on this one stop; and, that is part of the basis for my VERY GOOD rating. Fort Preble is a second-system fortification built by Henry A. S. Dearborn as an Embargo Fort in 1808 and was named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble (1761–1807) a distinguished US Navy officer. Fort Preble and Fort Scammell (on House Island) were built to enforce the unpopular trade embargo enacted by President Thomas Jefferson against Great Britain. The embargo preventing Maine merchants from trading with the English. A company of soldiers occupied the fort and enforced the Embargo Act from October 1808 to March 1809.Several units manned Fort Preble during the War of 1812. During the American Civil War, Fort Preble became the HQ and recruiting depot of the 17th Infantry Regiment. It was also the mobilization site for volunteer regiments recruited in Maine.Not many people know that Confederate forces got as far north as Maine. They think of Gettysburg as the northernmost point. But, Confederates did make it to Maine---all the way to Portland. They came by ship. When Confederate Army raiders entered Portland Harbor on June 26, 1863, aboard a captured ship named Archer, soldiers from the fort became involved. The Confederates captured the revenue cutter Caleb Cushing the next day. When they attempted to escape, steam-powered ships, carrying Fort Preble soldiers, pursued them. Light winds that day foiled an escape, so the Confederates abandoned the Caleb Cushing in boats after setting it on fire. Fort soldiers captured 23 Confederates and took them to Fort Preble.In the late 1800’s, Army Engineer Thomas Lincoln Casey supervised modernization. In the early 1900’s, several modern Endicott era coast defense batteries were installed. The fort remained active through World War I.During World War II, it was used as a naval net depot for net-laying ships and as a control station for the Casco Bay degaussing range. After 142 years of service, Fort Preble was inactivated in 1950.In 1952, the fort became the campus of what is now Southern Maine Community College.Spring Point Ledge Light was built near the site in 1897. A 900-foot granite breakwater that extends from the fort and surrounds the lighthouse was later added in 1951.Explore the fort, then hike out to Spring Point Ledge Light and take in the Portland Harbor Museum. See my reviews on those for details. There are also park benches for simply viewing and enjoying excellent views of Casco Bay and the marine traffic. And, of course, BRING YOUR CAMERA and BINOCULARS.The parts of the fort area that are wheelchair accessible give excellent views of most of the fort, Spring Point Ledge Light, Casco Bay, and marine traffic.Fort Preble is within easy drives to see Portland Breakwater Light a/k/a Bug Light and the Liberty Ship Memorial in Bug Light Park about 1+ miles away in South Portland. Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth Light (a/k/a Two Lights), Two Lights State Park, and Crescent Beach State Park---all in Cape Elizabeth---are just minutes away. And, Portland's Old Port and downtown areas are only about 15 minutes away.During our most-recent visit, we actually did it all on a full daytrip that lasted from morning until 7:00 PM with stops for lunch and a quick, light supper. But, we've been here several times before.Visiting all these places could become a three-day weekend trip for out-of-staters. If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.

Located on the grounds of Southern Maine Community College. See the granite walls, the locations where cannons once protected Portland Harbor. Look across the harbor to Fort Gorges, and House Island (Fort Trammel), or south towards Portland Headlight that George Washington ordered to be built. During the Civil War, and early wars, 32 pound cannons protected the harbor. No, the cannon did not weigh 32 lbs. The cannon ball weighed 32 lbs. They had a range of 3 miles, hence the "3 mile" territorial limit! From Fort Preble, walk down to Willard Beach and enjoy so beach fun or go about a quarter mile away to see Bug Light and the Liberty Ship Memorial.

It's beautiful here.Things to do:picnicSketch, photographJump small wavesThrow rocks in waterExplore old fort remnantsFly kitesSnorkelVisit the lighthousePlay frisbee, wiffle ball, tag, etc (BYOToys)Excellent spring, summer, fall outing AND its FREE!

This fort on the Southern Maine Community College campus was built in 1808 and named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble. During the Civil War, it saw action during a Confederate raid in June 1863. It is reachable by land. Public access is free. Limited public parking is nearby. A portable toilet is onsite. The fort is now decrepit. Its surf-lashed, granite ramparts afford scenic vistas of distant Fort Gorges, of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and of Fort Scammel across the channel on House Island in Casco Bay. A long section of fairly intact granite perimeter walls with several rusted cannon emplacements add to its historical and scenic appeal. Be certain to bring a camera! The only big flaw here is the lack of historical information available on a plaque onsite.

Here is the Spring Ledge lighthouse and the So Maine Technical College. Look for the tiny historic cemetary on the college grounds. Great bike riding spot.