Fort Williams

Phone: 799-2868

The town of Cape Elizabeth purchased Fort Williams in 1964 for $200,000, and today the park is one of the most treasured spots in the state.

The park has the remnants of many of the old military buildings that once stood there. Along with the various batteries is Goddard Mansion. No longer in the condition it was when Col. John Goddard and his family lived in it during the mid to late 1800s, the walls of the great mansion still stand high on the hill overlooking Fort Williams.

The park is home to the oldest and most frequently photographed lighthouse in Maine, Portland Head Light. With more the a million visitors a year, the park is often packed with people walking or enjoying the playing fields, tennis courts, beach. The park is a great place to cross-country ski, sled or ice skate in the winter. To reserve the picnic shelter or other areas of the park for group gatherings, call Cape Elizabeth Community Services at 799-2868.

The park is also home to Cape’s Labor Day Art Show, the People’s Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race and Family Fun Day. The Portland Symphony Orchestra also performs at the park every year.

History: In 1894, once a sub-post of Fort Preble, in 1894, President McKinley named Cape Elizabeth’s first military fortification, Fort Williams. Named after Brevet Major General Seth Williams, the fort was a tremendous military asset during World War II. In addition to protecting the shoreline of Cape Elizabeth, the infantry and artillery units provided the Harbor Defense for Portland. After the war, many of the forts in Casco Bay were closed, including Fort Williams, which traded in its defense of the coast for caretaker status and Army Reserve accommodations. Fort Williams was officially closed and deactivated in 1963.

Source: www.capeelizabeth.com

Two Lights State Park

7 Tower Dr.

Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Phone: 799-5871

Located off Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth, Two Lights State Park is a popular destination for people who enjoy the Maine’s rocky coast. Opened in 1961, the park encompasses 41 acres of rocky headlands. Standing high above the rocky coast and rolling surf, visitors have sweeping views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic.

The park’s name comes from the twin lighthouses located nearby at the end of Two Lights Road. Built in 1828, the lighthouses were the first twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Although not open to the public, the eastern light is an active, automated light station, visible 17 miles at sea. The western light ceased operation in 1924 and is now a private home. One of these towers was the subject of Edward Hooper’s famous painting Lighthouse at Two Lights.

Picnic tables situated on the hills facing the ocean afford visitors spectacular views of the ocean. Strollers and hikers can enjoy the sea breezes along shoreline trails and watch ships sailing into and out of Portland Harbor. Remember, ocean breezes can cool off a summer afternoon, so bring warm clothing. When walking along the rocks by the ocean, stand at least 20 feet back from the surf and keep a close eye on children.

Source: www.state.me.us