Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory is a historic tower located in Portland, Maine, United States. It was built in 1807 and is one of the few remaining maritime signal towers in North America.

The tower stands at 86 feet tall and offers stunning views of the surrounding city and Casco Bay. It was originally used as a communication tower, allowing ship captains to communicate with merchants in the city about incoming vessels and cargo.

Today, the Portland Observatory is open to the public as a museum and historic site. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the panoramic views, as well as learn about the history of the tower and its importance to the maritime industry in the 19th century.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits on the history of the tower and the shipping industry in Portland, as well as view artifacts and historical documents. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books on the history of the tower and the city.

Things to do at Portland Observatory

• Climb to the top of the tower: The Portland Observatory offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Casco Bay. The climb is relatively steep, but the views from the top are well worth it.

• Learn about the history of the tower: The museum at the Portland Observatory features exhibits on the history of the tower and its importance to the maritime industry in the 19th century. You can learn about the communication systems used by ship captains and merchants, as well as the history of shipping in Portland.

• View artifacts and historical documents: The museum also features a collection of artifacts and historical documents related to the tower and the maritime industry in Portland. You can view items like navigational instruments, ship models, and antique documents.