CHAPTER II

FORT GORGES

Fort Gorges is on Hog Island, Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, it is a stone fort in a commanding position on a reef, guarding the entrances to the upper harbor as well as to the ship channel. Although designed to complete the harbor defense, it was not built until much later than the earlier forts, Preble and Scammell. It was commenced in 1858 but was not completed until 1864 or 1865. It was built under the direction of Captain Casey, of the United States Engineering Corps, and in bomb-proofs and barbette, was designed to receive 195 guns. Although a formidable looking fortress it was designed for short range guns, so the introduction of modern heavy ordnance made its period of usefulness a brief one. Fort Gorges may be reached by boat from Portland or Cushings Island.

The parade ground inside the fort is a dirt one, anybody seeking buried treasure there, might find such articles as buttons, shoe buckles, coins, bayonets and other properties carried by the soldiers who were stationed there at the end of the Civil War. The buried artifacts would not be too deep, maybe one or two feet for an average. This fort would be one of the ideal locations for the modern treasure hunter and his metal detector. I'm sure your time would not be wasted in a two or three hour search there. If you decide to visit the old fort, do not forget to take a box lunch, as the salt air will create a wonderful appetite.