Cape Elizabeth in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)

Central Powerhouse

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2021

1. Central Powerhouse Marker

Inscription. This building was completed in 1905 as the central powerhouse for Fort Williams by the Quartermaster Corps. The structure was built of reinforced concrete and sited in this sheltered spot to protect it from the fire of hostile vessels. Inside, coal-fired boilers produced steam to turn generators to meet the electrical needs of the fort. Later, electricity was purchased from the local public utility and the powerhouse was maintained as an emergency power plant. The equipment was maintained and periodically tested so that this plant would immediately be able to provide electricity for the fort. The small brick building adjacent to the powerhouse was built to house electrical transformers, each of the large gun batteries had its own small power plant to provide electricity during battle action.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 43° 37.457′ N, 70° 12.903′ W. Marker is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in Cumberland County. It can be reached from the intersection of Shore Road and Littlejohn Road, on the right when traveling north.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Elizabeth ME 04107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Southern Maine Coast.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fire Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Goddard Mansion (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Times (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S Army at Fort Williams (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Goddard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Neglect, Hope and Repair (approx. 0.2 miles away); Field Officer's Quarters (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mining Casemate (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Elizabeth.

Central Powerhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, 2026

2. Central Powerhouse

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2021

3. Central Powerhouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 634 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on June 9, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.