Landmarks

Portland Observatory

In 1807, native Portland resident, Captain Lemuel Moody, gave the order to begin building the 86-foot high tower to facilitate communication between ship and shore in Portland’s harbor. Before the construction of the tower, ships entering the harbor could not be seen from the docks of Portland.  But with his ingenuity, Captain Moody developed a system to identify incoming vessels from as far away as 30 miles alerting subscribing merchants by hoisting signal flags identifying their vessels. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006, the Portland Observatory is the last known remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States. Although the tower ceased its signal activities in 1923, the Portland Observatory still offers spectacular views of Portland’s harbor and serves as a symbol of the city’s rich seafaring heritage.  Most importantly, the Portland Observatory stands as a symbol of the American “Golden Age of Sail.”  Currently, Greater Portland Landmarks operates the Observatory as a museum and historic site, offering educational programs and seasonal guided tours. On May 28, 2009, Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark refurbishment efforts sent more than a dozen volunteers to work on various refurbishment projects to prepare the Portland Observatory for its busy summer season. These projects included the cleaning of the exterior of the tower, repair damage from the sea air and polish the interior.  In all, Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program donated $10,000 toward the refurbishment, which will also provide the Observatory’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint from contractors who specialize in historic structures.