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

Mining Casemate

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

1. Mining Casemate Marker

Inscription. This Mining Casemate was constructed in 1891, but it was rebuilt in 1903, enlarged in 1907, and modernized during World War II. The function of the casemate was to control the minefield in the main channel, which was laid during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II to prevent the entry of hostile vessels. The reinforced concrete structure contained a large electrical panel from which one or more of the powerful submarine mines could be detonated on orders from the mine commander, whose station was an observation post above the casemate. Initially, the mines were loaded on mine planting vessels from a wharf adjacent to the casemante, connected by a causeway to the shore, but it was later abandoned and the wharf at Fort Preble used instead. No enemy vessels attempted to enter the harbor, although a German submarine was spotted in Casco Bay in 1942.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Spanish-American • War, World I • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 43° 37.505′ N, 70° 12.729′ W. Marker is in Cape Elizabeth,

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Maine, in Cumberland County. It can be reached from Shore Road south of Littlejohn Road, on the right when traveling north. 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: Battery Hobart (within shouting distance of this marker); Looking North (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Looking East (about 500 feet away); Looking South (about 500 feet away); Fire Station (about 700 feet away); Battery Erasmus Keyes (about 700 feet away); U.S Army at Fort Williams (about 700 feet away); Grand Times (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Elizabeth.

Mining Casemate image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, 2026

2. Mining Casemate

Most visible part of the structure

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

3. Mining Casemate 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 744 times since then and 51 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.