It may look like a lighthouse but it's not!
This unique looking tower was constructed by Lemuel Moody in 1807 to serve as a signal station for Portland's harbor. The tower stands 86 feet high with visability of 12 miles. Moody would identify incoming vessels and signal merchants with coded signal flags. "Signalizing" allowed merchants time to reserve a berth on the wharves, and to hire a crew of stevedores before a vessel docked.
The Portland Observatory is the only extant maritime signal station in the United States and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. In 2006 it became a National Historic Landmark.
The Observatory was built at one of the highest points of land in Portland, known as Portland's East End.
Kudos to our friends at Greater Portland Landmarks, they manage the Observatory and handle guided tours. The view from the top is amazing so take time & visit the Observatory!
(207) 774-5561 or visit: www.portlandlandmarks.org
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