Portland Observatory - Portland, ME - WPA Projects on Waymarking.com

On Munjoy Hill in Portland Maine, on Congress Street at the intersection with North Street, stands the Portland Observatory. The observatory is now a museum and is the last known surviving maritime signal tower in the United States. The structure was used until 1923 when it was declared unsafe and abandoned. In 1939, the Works Progress Administration, provided $6,000 toward the restoration of the tower. Today, the observatory is a museum, and guides point to features of the observatory on the way up to the observation deck. They talk about the WPA work and point to evidence of the work done. One of the additions was a center column to brace the floor above. Workers from this period also stained the wood structure a very dark brown.

The observatory is open for tours. Check with the Portland Landmarks web site for hours and fees. Allow for about an hour for the whole tour.


Additional Sources:

Portland Landmarks (Observatory History):
(visit link)

Press Herald Article on the Observatory:
(visit link)

Project type: Other Date built or created: 1808 Location: Munjoy Hill, Portland, ME City: Portland Condition: Good upkeep with a little wear and tear Website for additional information: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
To help give a different perspective and to better the waymark for future visitors please tell us about your visit and upload a favorite photograph you took of the waymark.

Although visiting this waymark in person is the only thing required of you to receive credit for your visit, taking the time to add this information is greatly appreciated.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   08/14/2014 SAS & cie visited it 09/09/2013 petendot visited it 08/13/2013 mTn_biKer65 visited it 09/01/2012 oiseau_ca visited it 11/01/2010 beta59 visited it 06/10/2008 YoSam. visited it

View all visits/logs