Been awhile since I had been in Maine, but a quick visit with a Portland friend prompted a stop. Of course, it also included a check of a few breweries, eating lobster rolls and learning some history. So we headed to Portland Head Light. It was commissioned by George Washington in 1790; rededicated at Greater Portland’s 350th anniversary by VP George Bush in 1982. I loved looking out on the ocean … something I cannot do in Arizona! Rain was on and off, but we weathered it!
A short hike from the lighthouse took us to Goddard Mansion. The land between the lighthouse and mansion was acquired by the US Army and becomes Fort Williams in 1899. In 1902 Goddard Mansion is acquired. Officers live here during the world wars. Fort Williams was closed in 1962 and fell into disrepair. The Town of Cape Elizabeth bought the entire property of Fort Williams. It is now the park where we are visiting the lighthouse, fort and mansion.
I also learned about the USS Eagle – 56, a US Navy sub-chaser. A German U-boat torpedoed and sunk it on April 23, 1945 nine miles off the Maine coast. Forty-nine officers and crewmen died, 13 survived. This was the greatest loss of Navy men in New England waters during WWII.
Of course, we stopped at LL Bean Store; don’t recall buying anything. Then a visit to a 65 acre sanctuary, Gilsland Farm, a Maine Audubon property. A few osprey and woodpeckers, otherwise quiet walk in misty rain. We are off to Canada next!
