Sign: Brief History of Fort Williams (2001)
Fort Williams is located in Cape Elizabeth and its grounds constitute Fort Williams City Park. In 1873 construction had begun on earthworks fortifications and was known as the Battery at Portland Head. By 1892, concrete batteries had been placed over the original structure. It remained a sub-post of Fort Preble (near Southern Maine Community College) until 1898 when it became an independent fort. On April 13, 1899, President McKinley named Cape Elizabeth’s first military fortification – Fort Williams. The fort was named in honor of Brevet Major General Seth Williams, Assistant Adjutant General for the U.S. Army.
1911 Field Officers Quarters (2018)
1909 Bachelor Officers Quarters (2018)
The 1911 modified colonial revival style Field Officers Quarters was used by the officers and families of the Coast Artillery Corps during World Wars I and II. In 1916 it had been renamed “Captain’s Quarters”. The Fifth Infantry Regiment used the building while it garrisoned the Fort between the two great wars. The Bachelor Officers quarters were used in the same manner and contained the officers mess for officers dining whether they lived in the building or not.
Some Remaining Buildings at Fort Williams (2001)
Portland Harbor view from the fort (2018)
With its commanding view of Portland Harbor whose safety it protected, the Fort was adjacent to the Portland Head Light. During World War II, an infantry and artillery unit provided the Harbor Defense for Portland. Fort Williams formally closed in 1964.
Fort Williams Park provides a quiet place for families and others to enjoy. Cape Elizabeth purchased the beautiful 90 acre property on in 1964. It took 12 years for the Town to designate it a park. In addition to the Fort’s remaining elements, it offers a pleasant small pond, walking/hiking trails, picnic areas, a children’s playground, and other recreational facilities. Although it attracts nearly a million visitors, most gravitate to the Portland Head Light on the shore.
The Goddard Mansion, once used by the Fort, is located nearby.
Additional resources
Fort Williams Coastal Science Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Prepared for the Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine. Scarborough, Me. William Dickson Associates. 1971.
“Fort Williams Park.” http://www.capeelizabeth.com/visitors/attractions/fort_williams_park/home.html.
Thompson, Kenneth E. Portland Head Light & Fort Williams: An Illustrated History with a Walking Guide Map. Portland, Me. Thompson Group. c1998.
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