CHAPTER XVIII

FORT PREBLE

Here we have a fort that was started in 1808 and finished about 1812, just before the War of 1812. It was named for Commodore Preble, prominent in the Revolutionary Navy. At the time of the Civil War it was enlarged and had a complement of 72 guns. The early fortress was of whitewashed brick ramparts which faced the channel.

On the site of this fort a log meeting house once stood, a gathering place for the earliest settlers of this area. This location may be reached by going to South Portland and proceeding to the Maine Vocational Technical Institute on Fort Road. This school now occupies the Fort Preble grounds. The old fortifications are in the rear of the grounds at the water's edge.

When you arrive at the fort, go to the Administration Building and secure permission to check the old ramparts.

Here you will find many old gun emplacements. These should be given your undivided attention; use your metal detector very carefully as many artifacts and relics must still be lying about. Don't forget to check the beach area in front of the old ramparts. The ground inside the granite walls should be another interesting spot for the metal detector. One of the earliest cemeteries in the entire Cape is located on this point of land. It is called the "Thrasher" burying ground. The Thrashers were the early settlers of this area. They had a large farm on the point back in the 1600's.

Much trading with the Indians took place on Fort Point where Preble was erected, so I would definitely not miss this location on my treasure hunting expedition.

As I mentioned earlier the Civil War was in progress when the fort was enlarged. There are probably many articles of this period still in the compounds of old Fort Preble, so go over the area and see what you can come up with. I'm sure your time will not be wasted.

This is one of the easiest locations to reach, as it is on the mainland, and a short ride from Portland either by bus or taxi. There is a restaurant within hailing distance of the fort, so you can get a lunch and keep right on with your search.