Cape Elizabeth in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Fort Williams
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 26, 2023
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 Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation 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
this page online
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) (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Eagle-56 (PE-56) (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery Blair (within shouting distance of this marker); Daily Life (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Williams (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Elizabeth.
More about this marker. This marker replaced an earlier marker with similar text.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2024
2. Fort Williams Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2024
3. New Fort Williams Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2024
4. Marker at Portland Head Light
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2024
5. Portland Head Lighthouse
Portland Head Lighthouse is located near the Fort Williams marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2024, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 28, 2024, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
