Neglect, Hope and Repair

Neglect, Hope and Repair. Fort Williams Park 1962 – Present. , After the World Wars and the decline of its relevant military capabilities, Fort Williams fell into disrepair before it was finally closed in 1962. The Town of Cape Elizabeth brought the 100-adre property for $200,000 in 1964. John Goddard’s ornate mansion was in particularly poor shape because of neglect and vandalism and a 1974 arson fire. For safety reasons, the town tore down dozens of buildings within the former fort, removed decades of military equipment and backfilled enormous gun batteries. But what to do about the dangerously decrepit Goddard Mansion?, In 1981, after 15 years of debate over whether to repair, stabilize or remove the mansion, the town finally decided to raze the old relic. Public outcry led the town to reconsider. As a compromise, The Cape Elizabeth Fire Department removed the mansion’s wooden inferior and roof in a series of controlled burns, leaving only the stone shell as it exists today., In 2025,after 44 more years of debate and neglect, the Fort Williams Park Committee committed to further stabilization and partial restoration so that the public can continue to enjoy what remains of this relic of grander times. Decades of plant growth within the mansion have been removed, the rusty chain link and barbed wire fences are gone, the carriage house arches have been stabilized and the pathway down to the sea has been restored., We hope you appreciate what remains of John Goddard’s dream home, and are absorbing the magnificent views of Casco Bay, the Portland Ship Channel, and Portland Head Light. Now, close your eyes and imagine being transported back to Cape Cottage in 1865 with its luxurious hotels, grand mansions and sensational amenities. Enjoy your visit and consider visiting the Fort William Museum at the top of the hill just past the duck pond.