Brief Historical Chronology

The original 14-acre purchase in 1872 served to establish a sub-post to Fort Preble located at Spring Point. Over about 25 years, a total of 90 acres were purchased to develop a fortification at Portland Head. These formative years saw the first three batteries — Sullivan, DeHart, and Hobart — completed on April 16, 1898.

This fortification became known as Fort Williams on April 13, 1899, by order of Army Headquarters. General Order No. 17, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D.C., read, in part: "… By direction of the President, the battery at Portland Head, Portland, Maine, shall hereafter be known and designated as Fort Williams, in honor of the late Brevet Major-General Seth Williams, Assistant Adjutant-General, United States Army…"

1901 began a decade of building expansion at Fort Williams. The following buildings were constructed: officers' quarters, non-commissioned officers' quarters, enlisted barracks, hospital, gymnasium, post exchange, guard house, bakery, laundry, and fire station. By 1920 an underground, protected telephone switchboard and a disappearing searchlight, raised and lowered by a counterweight, were added to the Fort. A balloon hangar and hydrogen generator house built in 1921 were later abandoned for a variety of reasons (i.e. wind, weather, cost).

During World War I, the fort was fully manned by artillery companies and National Guard troops. Anti-aircraft guns were added to the defenses during this time.

Fort Williams served as the headquarters of the Harbor Defenses of Portland During World War II. In January, 1950, Fort Williams' mission was officially changed from a harbor defense post to a logistical and administrative support installation for all military units and personnel in the State of Maine.

On Saturday, June 30, 1962, Fort Williams officially closed and was turned over to the General Services Administration to be sold. At a special town meeting on June 29, 1964, the residents of Cape Elizabeth voted to buy Fort Williams. Their offer of $200,000 was accepted and on December 1, 1964, the Town of Cape Elizabeth acquired Fort Williams.

After countless town meetings and many proposals ranging from a Coastal Science Park to low-income housing, the Town Council designated Fort Williams on July 23, 1979, as "Fort Williams Park." Since that time, Fort Williams Park has been host to many picnics, concerts and other events and has been enjoyed by countless thousands of visitors and Cape Elizabeth residents alike.