our homes, our neighborhoods, our future
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our homes, our neighborhoods, our future |
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Portland Observatory |
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It's not a lighthouse - and it has nothing to do with astronomy! The Portland Observatory (1807) is the only extant maritime signal station in the United States, and thus a unique architectural icon of maritime shipping and the "Golden Age of Sail." The Portland Observatory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and became a National Historic Landmark in 2006. The structure was also awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers Historic Landmark award for excellence in engineering, in 2006. Sea captain-turned-entrepreneur, Lemuel Moody (1768-1846), ordered construction of this octagonal, 86' high tower to serve as a communication station for Portland's bustling harbor. With his powerful telescope, Moody identified incoming vessels and then signaled merchants with coded signal flags. "Signalizing" allowed merchants ample time to reserve a berth on the wharves, and to hire a crew of stevedores before a vessel docked. This made for efficient unloading of merchant vessels and was an essential part of local commerce. The Observatory was built at the eastern end of the Portland peninsula on Munjoy Hill, which was a cow pasture at the time. Moody built his home and other buildings near the tower. The complex of buildings was replete with banquet and dance halls as well as a bowling alley. From the time it opened in 1807, it was a tourist attraction.
Directions to the Portland ObservatoryFrom I-295: Take Exit 7 (Franklin Arterial). Proceed on Franklin to the intersection of Congress Street and Franklin. Take a left onto Congress Street and travel east up Munjoy Hill. The Portland Observatory (138 Congress Street) will be on your right as you reach the crest of the hill. Limited street parking is available. To get to the Observatory by public transportation: From the Amtrak/Concord Trailways station: Mon-Sat., take the #5 bus (ask for a transfer when paying) to Monument Square, then transfer to the #1. On Sundays, the #1 stops at the train station. Bus fares: Adults -- $1.00 children under 5 -- free with an adult (limit 2 children per paying adult) elementary school age children -- $0.75 For more information and bus schedules, please call the Metro at (207) 774-0351 or visit their website. To book a group tour* or for more information,
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The tower ceased its "signalizing" operations in 1923, and has been owned
by the City of Portland since 1937. In 1936 the Portland Observatory was
included in the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), and in 1939 the
tower was a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the New
Deal programs of the Great Depression.
In 1994 it was discovered that years of seeping moisture and an
infestation of powder post beetles threatened the structure. Many
architectural and historical preservation authorities came together to
devise a plan for saving this historic building.
In 1997 Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL) chartered the Portland
Observatory Restoration Trust (PORT) in order to raise funds for the
ailing structure's ambitious restoration. More than six hundred donors
contributed to PORT, including the City of Portland, corporations,
charitable foundations, families, and individuals, as well as students
from eleven local elementary schools who gave more than $5,000 through
KidsPORT. PORT raised $1.28 million for the 1998-2000 restoration, which
returned the building to its former glory.
Currently, Greater Portland Landmarks operates the Observatory as a museum
and historic site, offering educational programs and seasonal guided tours.
Interpretive exhibits explain the tower's history and preservation. Please note that we provide guided tours only. This is for the safety of visitors and the protection of the building. We regret we cannot allow unsupervised visitations. Please plan to allow one-hour for your tour.