Dinnertime at the Mess Hall
1776
After British warships bombed and burned Portland (then known as Falmouth) on October 18, 1775, a guard of eight soldiers was posted at Portland Head to warn citizens of additional British attacks.
1872
14 acre parcel purchased at Portland Head to establish a sub-
post to Fort Preble at Spring Point.
1872-1898
76 additional acres purchased to develop fortification at Portland Head.
1898
First three batteries—Sullivan, DeHart, and Hobart completed
1899
Fortification at Portland Head named Fort Williams, in honor of the late Brevet Major-General Seth Williams, Assistant Adjutant-General, United States Army
Soldiers in the field 1907
1901-1911
Decade of building expansion. Officers’ quarters, non-commissioned officers’ quarters, enlisted barracks, hospital, gymnasium, post exchange, guard house, bakery, laundry and fire station built.
1911-1920
Underground, protected telephone switchboard and disappearing searchlight, raised and lowered by a counterweight, added to Fort
1914-1918
Fort fully manned by artillery companies and National Guard troops. Anti-aircraft guns added to the defenses.
1921
Balloon hangar and hydrogen generator house built but later abandoned for a variety of reasons such as wind, weather, cost.
Disappearing gun at lighthouse
1939-1945
Fort served as headquarters of the Harbor Defenses
1950
Fort Williams’ mission officially changed from a harbor defense post to a logistical and administrative support installation for all military units and personnel in State of Maine.
1962
Fort Williams officially closed and turned over to the General Services Administration to be sold.
Historical Photos Courtesy of Ken Thompson