Fort Preble

Built in 1808, this fort was meant to protect Portland from the British as tensions were rising with them during this period before the War of 1812. This was also the site of the only Civil War battle in Maine, the Battle of Portland Harbor, where Confederate Lt. Charles Read unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the ship Chesapeake, then went to try the same with the Caleb Cushing. Due to being overcome by either Portland residents, Union soldiers, or both, as well as a lack of wind to move the ship, Read was forced to set fire to the ship. He and his crew were then captured and imprisoned at Fort Preble.