Cape Elizabeth in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Fort Williams
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009
1. Fort Williams Marker
This former military installation, begun in 1873 and known as The Battery at Portland Head, was a sub-post of Fort Preble until 1898 when it became a separate independent fort.
It was designated Fort Williams in honor of Brevet Major General Seth Williams, a native of Maine, and Assistant Adjutant General, U.S. Army.
This coastal defense installation guarded the entrance to Casco Bay and was the headquarters for the harbor defenses of Portland.
It remained an active military base until it was closed in 1964.
Erected by South Portland - Cape Elizabeth Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 43° 37.379′ N, 70° 12.554′ W. Marker is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in Cumberland County. It can be reached from Shore Road. 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 and in New England. 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: A different marker also named Fort Williams (here, next to this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (here, next to this marker); Portland Head Light (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Eagle 56 (PE-56)
this page online
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009
2. Fort Williams Battery
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011
3. Fort Williams Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011
4. Cannon at Fort Williams Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011
5. Bell at Fort Williams Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,797 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 10, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
