Fort Gorges stands proudly in Portland Harbor, inaccessible except by boat, perhaps something of a mystery to those onshore who never have had the opportunity to venture out over the water and explore the granite defender of Casco Bay.

The fort was completed in 1865, just in time to be rendered obsolete by advances in military technology. Over the years it has served a number of functions. Its most recent military mission was during World War Two when it was used to store mines. The City of Portland acquired the fort in 1960.

Each summer the Portland Harbor Museum sponsors guided tours to the fort. For a small fee you can take a boat out to Hog Ledge and tour the fort with an expert who will explain the importance of the Fort as a historical artifact. These pictures are from a Portland Harbor Museum Tour.

Click here to see our gallery of Fort Gorges Images

Additional links:

Portland Harbor Museum Web Site

Fort Gorges History at the Southern Maine Community College site

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