Forts
Created by Lyman Moore Middle School students
Item: 1125 | more info
Title: View of Portland Harbor, ca. 1853
Contributor: Maine Historical Society
The city of Portland built forts to protect it's harbor so they could get goods in and out of the port. People in Maine realized the harbor was a very vulnerable port in 1775 when the British burnt Portland to the ground.
After the Revolutionary War the port was still a desirable target for the British. It was a deep and protected harbor and the closest to Europe. The forts deterred the British and other enemies from attacking the Portland. After the forts were built Portland was never again attacked by any enemies of the United States.
The forts have been manned in each of the American wars and in times of international tension. Even though the forts are no longer used for military service they are used by the people of Maine and tourists, some of them are now parks.