East End in Portland in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)

Portland Observatory

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

1. Portland Observatory NHL Marker

Inscription. Portland Observatory
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America.
The Observatory is the nation's only remaining maritime signal tower. It served as a communication station for Portland's bustling harbor brom 1807 to 1923, announcing the arrival of ships with a unique system of colorful signal flags.

2006

National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Erected 2006.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.

Location. 43° 39.92′ N, 70° 14.896′ W. Marker is in Portland, Maine, in Cumberland County. It is in East End. Marker is on Congress Street near North Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 138 Congress St, Portland ME 04101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Portland Observatory, Portland, Maine (here, next to this marker); Charles F. Eastman

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome To Fort Sumner Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alonzo P. Stinson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eastern Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home of Charles Frederick Eastman, Harriet Stephenson Eastman, and her father, Alexander Stephenson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christopher Christian Manuel (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Eastern Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.

Portland Observatory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

2. Portland Observatory

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

3. Portland Observatory

Portland Observatory Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

4. Portland Observatory Sign

Portland Observatory Lookout Cupola image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

5. Portland Observatory Lookout Cupola

Portland Observatory View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

6. Portland Observatory View

Looking SE toward South Portland

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2011

7. Portland Observatory View

Looking south into Portland Harbor

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 857 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.