Fort Williams Park: Difference between revisions
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'''Fort Williams''' is a former [[United States Army]] post, located 3.5 miles Southeast of [[Portland, Maine]] |
'''Fort Williams''' is a former [[United States Army]] post, located 3.5 miles Southeast of [[Portland, Maine]] |
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The original 14-acre purchase in 1872 served to establish a sub-post to [[Fort Preble]] located at Spring Point. 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. |
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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. |
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On Saturday, June 30, 1962, Fort Williams officially closed and was turned over to the [[General Services Administration]] to be sold. |
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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. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 16:48, 30 December 2010
Fort Williams is a former United States Army post, located 3.5 miles Southeast of Portland, Maine
The original 14-acre purchase in 1872 served to establish a sub-post to Fort Preble located at Spring Point. 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.
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.
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.