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Fort Allen Park:Reclaiming the high ground

PORTLAND — Fort Allen was particularly valuable during the War of 1812 because its position high on Munjoy Hill meant its men could fire down on any British ships – whose guns weren’t designed to fire up steep hills.

“When those guns told the ships to leave,” said Dan Haley, gesturing to two cannons perched on the sloping ground, “they left.”

Although the fort is no longer needed for Portland’s defense, Haley said, it remains just as valuable as a park, dotted with memorials and offering sweeping views of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay and the ocean beyond.