Fort Levett - Revision history

J. Malcolm: reduced some galleries

2026-01-30T15:11:11Z

reduced some galleries

J. Malcolm: Minor details updated.

2025-08-04T02:26:49Z

Minor details updated.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 3 August 2025
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	In 1894 the government exercised its right to eminent domain and took control of the land from Francis Cushing to establish a new fort. The initial parcel of land was 33.75 acres which was deemed too small for military use. In 1903 the reservation was increased by 91.68 acres bringing the total to 127 acres. The fort was officially named on April 4th, 1900, after Christopher Levett who explored Casco Bay in the 1620s and was designated a sub post of [[Fort Williams]]. No construction on any part of the fort would begin until 1897. Four batteries were planned for the site in 1898. Railroad beds, drains, concrete mixing wells and other necessary infrastructure were prepared for construction and completed by 1899. The concrete work was started in 1900 on Battery Bowdoin and Kendrick. A narrow-gauge railway was completed in 1899 that connected each of the batteries. On November 29th, 1905, 15 main post buildings were accepted for service. The central powerhouse was completed either August 1903 or June 30th, 1905 (the engineer's notebook and QM book have different dates), for $52,600 along the parade ground with three Westinghouse 105 Horsepower steam engines that were purchased in 1903. This powerhouse would provide electricity for all of the tactical buildings at Fort Levett. Two 30-inch truck-mounted searchlights were transferred to Fort Levett on December 26th, 1905. Fort Levett was not garrisoned until 1907 when the 1st Company Coast Artillery Corps (CAC) came to Portland. On January 29th, 1909, a number of buildings were accepted for service including the switchboard building, dormitory, combined secondary station for [[Fort Williams]], Fire Command Positions and Base-End Stations for Batteries Chase, Bowdoin and Kendrick. Secondary Fire Control positions for Fort Levett were located in another stucco building at [[Fort Williams]]. On August 26th, 1909, another group of buildings were accepted for service including the district signal station, BC Stations for Batteries Bowdoin and Kendrick, the meteorological station and tide gauge station. In 1911 a brand-new searchlight powerhouse was built near whitehead to serve two 60-inch searchlights transferred April 28th, 1911. Another 60-inch searchlight was located on a concrete platform near Battery Daniels. <gallery mode="packed" heights="75">		In 1894 the government exercised its right to eminent domain and took control of the land from Francis Cushing to establish a new fort. The initial parcel of land was 33.75 acres which was deemed too small for military use. In 1903 the reservation was increased by 91.68 acres bringing the total to 127 acres. The fort was officially named on April 4th, 1900, after Christopher Levett who explored Casco Bay in the 1620s and was designated a sub post of [[Fort Williams]]. No construction on any part of the fort would begin until 1897. Four batteries were planned for the site in 1898. Railroad beds, drains, concrete mixing wells and other necessary infrastructure were prepared for construction and completed by 1899. The concrete work was started in 1900 on Battery Bowdoin and Kendrick. A narrow-gauge railway was completed in 1899 that connected each of the batteries. On November 29th, 1905, 15 main post buildings were accepted for service. The central powerhouse was completed either August 1903 or June 30th, 1905 (the engineer's notebook and QM book have different dates), for $52,600 along the parade ground with three Westinghouse 105 Horsepower steam engines that were purchased in 1903. This powerhouse would provide electricity for all of the tactical buildings at Fort Levett. Two 30-inch truck-mounted searchlights were transferred to Fort Levett on December 26th, 1905. Fort Levett was not garrisoned until 1907 when the 1st Company Coast Artillery Corps (CAC) came to Portland. On January 29th, 1909, a number of buildings were accepted for service including the switchboard building, dormitory, combined secondary station for [[Fort Williams]], Fire Command Positions and Base-End Stations for Batteries Chase, Bowdoin and Kendrick. Secondary Fire Control positions for Fort Levett were located in another stucco building at [[Fort Williams]]. On August 26th, 1909, another group of buildings were accepted for service including the district signal station, BC Stations for Batteries Bowdoin and Kendrick, the meteorological station and tide gauge station. In 1911 a brand-new searchlight powerhouse was built near whitehead to serve two 60-inch searchlights transferred April 28th, 1911. Another 60-inch searchlight was located on a concrete platform near Battery Daniels. <gallery mode="packed" heights="75">
	File:LevettMap.jpg\|alt=\|Early 1900s map		File:LevettMap.jpg\|alt=\|Early 1900s map
			File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|Map of narrow gauge railroad.
	File:WhiteheadFCS.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead complex		File:WhiteheadFCS.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead complex
	File:TempDorm.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead Dormitory		File:TempDorm.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead Dormitory
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	File:Levett (200) 32.jpg\|alt=\|NCO Quarters		File:Levett (200) 32.jpg\|alt=\|NCO Quarters
	File:Levett (200) 31.jpg\|alt=\|1921 Fire Station		File:Levett (200) 31.jpg\|alt=\|1921 Fire Station
			File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|Coal Shed Foundation
	File:Levett (200) 28.jpg\|alt=\|Granite posts for barbed wire behind Battery Kendrick		File:Levett (200) 28.jpg\|alt=\|Granite posts for barbed wire behind Battery Kendrick
			File:Narrow gauge Rail.jpg\|Remaining narrow gauge rail.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	File:Levett (79) 30.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #2		File:Levett (79) 30.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #2
	File:Levett (200) 11.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #1		File:Levett (200) 11.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #1
	File:Levett (79) 31.jpg\|alt=\|BC Station remain (dismantled ~~1960s~~)		File:Levett (79) 31.jpg\|alt=\|BC Station remain (dismantled 1990s)
	File:Fort Levetts 14.jpg\|alt=\|Plotting Room		File:Fort Levetts 14.jpg\|alt=\|Plotting Room
	File:Levett (79) 40.jpg\|alt=\|Interior		File:Levett (79) 40.jpg\|alt=\|Interior
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	== Present ==		== Present ==
	In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, ~~Along~~ with the narrow gauge ~~Railroad~~ being dismantled, Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the ~~site~~ of the path. ~~the spot where~~ remaining rail was found ~~was near~~ the ~~Spur~~ up to Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was ~~rebuilt and the rail were removed some point~~ after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was ~~demolished~~, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a ~~tiny~~ cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered with the exception of whitehead, ~~with almost all~~ of the ~~buildings having~~ collapsed. Permission is needed to visit the island.		In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, along with the narrow-gauge railroad being dismantled. Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the side of the path. The remaining rail was found on the spur leading up to the top of Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was replaced sometime after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was blown up, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered with the exception of whitehead, where most of the Sewell structures have collapsed or been removed. Permission is needed to visit the island.
	~~[[File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|thumb\|foundation of the coal shed]]~~
	~~[[File:Narrow gauge Rail.jpg\|thumb\|One of the remaining Narrow gauge rails]]~~
	~~[[File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|thumb\|Map of Narrow Gauge Railroad ]]~~
	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===
	https://catalog.archives.gov/id/216887826		[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/216887826 National Archives Catalog]

	[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]		[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]

	[[wikipedia:Cushing_Island\|Cushings Island]]		[[wikipedia:Cushing_Island\|Cushings Island]]

			[https://cdsg.org Coast Defense Study Group]

	[https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/me3.html North American Forts]		[https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/me3.html North American Forts]

Nicholas Colli11: /* SOURCES and REFERENCES */

2025-08-04T01:55:02Z

SOURCES and REFERENCES

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:55, 3 August 2025
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	[[File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|thumb\|Map of Narrow Gauge Railroad ]]		[[File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|thumb\|Map of Narrow Gauge Railroad ]]
	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===
			https://catalog.archives.gov/id/216887826

	[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]		[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]

Nicholas Colli11: /* Present */

2025-08-04T01:53:34Z

Present

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 3 August 2025
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	== Present ==		== Present ==
	In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, Along with the narrow gauge Railroad being dismantled, Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the site of the path. the spot where remaining rail was found was near the Spur up to Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was rebuilt and the rail were removed some point after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was demolished, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a tiny cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered. Permission is needed to visit the island.		In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, Along with the narrow gauge Railroad being dismantled, Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the site of the path. the spot where remaining rail was found was near the Spur up to Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was rebuilt and the rail were removed some point after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was demolished, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a tiny cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered with the exception of whitehead, with almost all of the buildings having collapsed. Permission is needed to visit the island.
	[[File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|thumb\|foundation of the coal shed]]		[[File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|thumb\|foundation of the coal shed]]
			[[File:Narrow gauge Rail.jpg\|thumb\|One of the remaining Narrow gauge rails]]
			[[File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|thumb\|Map of Narrow Gauge Railroad ]]
	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===
	[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]		[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]

Nicholas Colli11 at 01:41, 4 August 2025

2025-08-04T01:41:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 3 August 2025
Line 212:		Line 212:

	== Present ==		== Present ==
	In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned. The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was demolished, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery ~~Foote~~ had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a tiny cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered. Permission is needed to visit the island.		In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, Along with the narrow gauge Railroad being dismantled, Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the site of the path. the spot where remaining rail was found was near the Spur up to Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was rebuilt and the rail were removed some point after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was demolished, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a tiny cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered. Permission is needed to visit the island.
			[[File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|thumb\|foundation of the coal shed]]

	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===

J. Malcolm at 01:22, 10 June 2025

2025-06-10T01:22:22Z

Show changes

J. Malcolm: /* Battery Bowdoin */ added info college

2025-06-10T01:07:44Z

Battery Bowdoin: added info college

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:07, 9 June 2025
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	== Battery Bowdoin ==		== Battery Bowdoin ==
	Construction on this three-gun 12-inch disappearing battery started in 1899. Originally planned for four guns, only three emplacements were built. Emplacements #4 and #3 were completed in 1901 and emplacement #2 was completed in 1902. In 1902 it was decided to eliminate the fourth emplacement. Each emplacement was armed with M1897 disappearing carriages and M1895 12-inch rifles which were all installed by 1903. The battery was transferred for use on April 23rd, 1903, at a cost of $190,290.56. This battery was named in 1900 after James Bowdoin who was the governor of Massachusetts in the late 1700s. Three hodges back delivery hoists were installed originally but on April 15th, 1919, three new Taylor-Raymond back delivery hoists were installed in their place. In 1918 generators were installed to serve the battery and all of whitehead as auxiliary. In 1941 camouflage netting was installed over the battery and would remain in place until deactivation. On March 1st, 1944, Battery Bowdoin's guns were ordered salvaged but were not sent to Watervliet until January 15th, 1945. <gallery mode="packed" heights="75">		Construction on this three-gun 12-inch disappearing battery started in 1899. Originally planned for four guns, only three emplacements were built. Emplacements #4 and #3 were completed in 1901 and emplacement #2 was completed in 1902. In 1902 it was decided to eliminate the fourth emplacement. Each emplacement was armed with M1897 disappearing carriages and M1895 12-inch rifles which were all installed by 1903. The battery was transferred for use on April 23rd, 1903, at a cost of $190,290.56. This battery was named in 1900 after James Bowdoin who was the governor of Massachusetts in the late 1700s. Bowdoin college in Brunswick is also named for him. Three hodges back delivery hoists were installed originally but on April 15th, 1919, three new Taylor-Raymond back delivery hoists were installed in their place. In 1918 generators were installed to serve the battery and all of whitehead as auxiliary. In 1941 camouflage netting was installed over the battery and would remain in place until deactivation. On March 1st, 1944, Battery Bowdoin's guns were ordered salvaged but were not sent to Watervliet until January 15th, 1945. <gallery mode="packed" heights="75">
	File:Fort Levett9.jpg\|Battery Bowdoin Plan		File:Fort Levett9.jpg\|Battery Bowdoin Plan
	File:Fort Levett Batteries.jpg\|alt=\|1920s aerial image		File:Fort Levett Batteries.jpg\|alt=\|1920s aerial image

J. Malcolm at 18:40, 7 January 2025

2025-01-07T18:40:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 7 January 2025
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	Loc. 161 Fort Levett was an Endicott era fort built on ~~Cushings~~ Island in Portland ME. It was used through WWII.		Loc. 161 Fort Levett was an Endicott era fort built on Cushing's Island in Portland ME. It was used through WWII.

	== Endicott Era ==		== Endicott Era ==
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	File:Levett (200) 46.jpg\|SCR-584 for AA guns. Similar to what would have been at Levett.		File:Levett (200) 46.jpg\|SCR-584 for AA guns. Similar to what would have been at Levett.
	File:Fort Levett6.jpg\|1941 Aerial		File:Fort Levett6.jpg\|1941 Aerial
	~~</gallery>~~

	~~== Battery AMTB 962 ==~~
	AMTB #2 was constructed in 1942 and built 40ft above sea level. It covered the interior of the main shipping channel. Ammunition and powder were stored in the defunct Battery Daniels and the wooden BC Station was built inside one of the emplacements where it remained until 1987 when it was blown over. Two fixed 90mm guns were mounted on concrete pads and two mobile 37mm guns were located on wooden platforms near the fixed emplacements. This battery was deactivated in 1946 but its guns may have been stored away earlier. The gun blocks are hard to access due to overgrowth and Battery Daniels where the BC station and ammo storage was, is effectively buried in overgrowth. <gallery mode="packed" caption="Field of Fire 1944">
	~~File:Fort Levett15.jpg\|alt=~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	File:Levett (200) 38.jpg\|DPF mount with bolts drilled off		File:Levett (200) 38.jpg\|DPF mount with bolts drilled off
	</gallery>		</gallery>
	[[File:Levett (200) 47.png\|right\|frameless]]		== Battery AMTB 962 ==
			AMTB #2 was constructed in 1942 and built 40ft above sea level. It covered the interior of the main shipping channel. Ammunition and powder were stored in the defunct Battery Daniels and the wooden BC Station was built inside one of the emplacements where it remained until 1987 when it was blown over. Two fixed 90mm guns were mounted on concrete pads and two mobile 37mm guns were located on wooden platforms near the fixed emplacements. This battery was deactivated in 1946 but its guns may have been stored away earlier. The gun blocks are hard to access due to overgrowth and Battery Daniels where the BC station and ammo storage was, is effectively buried in overgrowth. [[File:Levett (200) 47.png\|right\|frameless]]

	== Present ==		== Present ==

J. Malcolm: Updated headers

2024-11-28T19:13:19Z

Updated headers

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 28 November 2024
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	== ~~WWI Era~~ and Interwar ==		== World War One and Interwar ==
	In 1914 the 50th Company CAC was moved from [[Fort McKinley]] to Levett. In 1917 the 9th, 22nd and 23rd companies of the Coast Defenses of Portland were assigned to Fort Levett. Maine National Guard CAC would be stationed at the fort in the 1920s. In 1915 a mortar battery was proposed to be built. It is not known whether its location was decided, but no construction ever began. Plans for a new post telephone switchboard were approved April 9th, 1918. This new design would provide all around protection for the building which before was located in a flimsy Sewell building at whitehead. This new switchboard building was accepted for service in 1921. In 1920 an Anti-Aircraft Battery of two 3-inch guns was built. In 1932 a third gun was added to the Anti-Aircraft Battery along with .50 Anti Air Machine Guns and a 60-inch AA Sperry Searchlight.<gallery mode="packed" heights="75">		In 1914 the 50th Company CAC was moved from [[Fort McKinley]] to Levett. In 1917 the 9th, 22nd and 23rd companies of the Coast Defenses of Portland were assigned to Fort Levett. Maine National Guard CAC would be stationed at the fort in the 1920s. In 1915 a mortar battery was proposed to be built. It is not known whether its location was decided, but no construction ever began. Plans for a new post telephone switchboard were approved April 9th, 1918. This new design would provide all around protection for the building which before was located in a flimsy Sewell building at whitehead. This new switchboard building was accepted for service in 1921. In 1920 an Anti-Aircraft Battery of two 3-inch guns was built. In 1932 a third gun was added to the Anti-Aircraft Battery along with .50 Anti Air Machine Guns and a 60-inch AA Sperry Searchlight.<gallery mode="packed" heights="75">
	File:Fort Levett Plan.jpg\|alt=\|Post Map		File:Fort Levett Plan.jpg\|alt=\|Post Map
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	== ~~WWII Era~~ ==		== World War Two ==
	On September 16th, 1940, Fort Levett was manned by the 1st Battalion 240th Coast Artillery under Colonel Fogg. Battery A would service Battery Foote, Battery B would service Battery Bowdoin and Battery C would service Battery Ferguson, Battery G would service the AA guns. The existing 28 post buildings were noted to be in poor condition by June 1940 and a building boom would start at the fort adding 26 temporary buildings and renovating the existing ones. In a June 1941 report all new post construction was complete and the number of enlisted men was 758 (it had been 124 in 1939). $65,412 was spent on repairing the existing buildings. The new construction would include 10 barracks, four mess halls and various assorted support buildings. By the end of WWII, Fort Levett had 55 buildings. Upgrades would be made to Batteries Bowdoin and Ferguson to improve them for war. Test firings were completed in 1941. Additional construction would take place on Fire Control Structures and Battery Foote from 1942-44. The AA Battery would be designated AA Battery #3 and a mobile SCR-584 would be located at the fort for Anti-Aircraft tracking.<gallery mode="packed" heights="100">		On September 16th, 1940, Fort Levett was manned by the 1st Battalion 240th Coast Artillery under Colonel Fogg. Battery A would service Battery Foote, Battery B would service Battery Bowdoin and Battery C would service Battery Ferguson, Battery G would service the AA guns. The existing 28 post buildings were noted to be in poor condition by June 1940 and a building boom would start at the fort adding 26 temporary buildings and renovating the existing ones. In a June 1941 report all new post construction was complete and the number of enlisted men was 758 (it had been 124 in 1939). $65,412 was spent on repairing the existing buildings. The new construction would include 10 barracks, four mess halls and various assorted support buildings. By the end of WWII, Fort Levett had 55 buildings. Upgrades would be made to Batteries Bowdoin and Ferguson to improve them for war. Test firings were completed in 1941. Additional construction would take place on Fire Control Structures and Battery Foote from 1942-44. The AA Battery would be designated AA Battery #3 and a mobile SCR-584 would be located at the fort for Anti-Aircraft tracking.<gallery mode="packed" heights="100">
	File:Levett (200) 45.jpg\|1944 Post Map		File:Levett (200) 45.jpg\|1944 Post Map

J. Malcolm: Updated summary

2024-11-28T19:03:21Z

Updated summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 28 November 2024
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	Fort Levett ~~is a former Coastal Defense site established in 1894~~ on Cushings Island in ~~Casco Bay~~. ~~The fort~~ was used through WWII ~~and abandoned shortly after. Location 161. Please note that some images on this page may not load quickly due to file size~~.		Loc. 161 Fort Levett was an Endicott era fort built on Cushings Island in Portland ME. It was used through WWII.

	== Endicott Era ==		== Endicott Era ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 3 August 2025
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	In 1894 the government exercised its right to eminent domain and took control of the land from Francis Cushing to establish a new fort. The initial parcel of land was 33.75 acres which was deemed too small for military use. In 1903 the reservation was increased by 91.68 acres bringing the total to 127 acres. The fort was officially named on April 4th, 1900, after Christopher Levett who explored Casco Bay in the 1620s and was designated a sub post of [[Fort Williams]]. No construction on any part of the fort would begin until 1897. Four batteries were planned for the site in 1898. Railroad beds, drains, concrete mixing wells and other necessary infrastructure were prepared for construction and completed by 1899. The concrete work was started in 1900 on Battery Bowdoin and Kendrick. A narrow-gauge railway was completed in 1899 that connected each of the batteries. On November 29th, 1905, 15 main post buildings were accepted for service. The central powerhouse was completed either August 1903 or June 30th, 1905 (the engineer's notebook and QM book have different dates), for $52,600 along the parade ground with three Westinghouse 105 Horsepower steam engines that were purchased in 1903. This powerhouse would provide electricity for all of the tactical buildings at Fort Levett. Two 30-inch truck-mounted searchlights were transferred to Fort Levett on December 26th, 1905. Fort Levett was not garrisoned until 1907 when the 1st Company Coast Artillery Corps (CAC) came to Portland. On January 29th, 1909, a number of buildings were accepted for service including the switchboard building, dormitory, combined secondary station for [[Fort Williams]], Fire Command Positions and Base-End Stations for Batteries Chase, Bowdoin and Kendrick. Secondary Fire Control positions for Fort Levett were located in another stucco building at [[Fort Williams]]. On August 26th, 1909, another group of buildings were accepted for service including the district signal station, BC Stations for Batteries Bowdoin and Kendrick, the meteorological station and tide gauge station. In 1911 a brand-new searchlight powerhouse was built near whitehead to serve two 60-inch searchlights transferred April 28th, 1911. Another 60-inch searchlight was located on a concrete platform near Battery Daniels. <gallery mode="packed" heights="75">		In 1894 the government exercised its right to eminent domain and took control of the land from Francis Cushing to establish a new fort. The initial parcel of land was 33.75 acres which was deemed too small for military use. In 1903 the reservation was increased by 91.68 acres bringing the total to 127 acres. The fort was officially named on April 4th, 1900, after Christopher Levett who explored Casco Bay in the 1620s and was designated a sub post of [[Fort Williams]]. No construction on any part of the fort would begin until 1897. Four batteries were planned for the site in 1898. Railroad beds, drains, concrete mixing wells and other necessary infrastructure were prepared for construction and completed by 1899. The concrete work was started in 1900 on Battery Bowdoin and Kendrick. A narrow-gauge railway was completed in 1899 that connected each of the batteries. On November 29th, 1905, 15 main post buildings were accepted for service. The central powerhouse was completed either August 1903 or June 30th, 1905 (the engineer's notebook and QM book have different dates), for $52,600 along the parade ground with three Westinghouse 105 Horsepower steam engines that were purchased in 1903. This powerhouse would provide electricity for all of the tactical buildings at Fort Levett. Two 30-inch truck-mounted searchlights were transferred to Fort Levett on December 26th, 1905. Fort Levett was not garrisoned until 1907 when the 1st Company Coast Artillery Corps (CAC) came to Portland. On January 29th, 1909, a number of buildings were accepted for service including the switchboard building, dormitory, combined secondary station for [[Fort Williams]], Fire Command Positions and Base-End Stations for Batteries Chase, Bowdoin and Kendrick. Secondary Fire Control positions for Fort Levett were located in another stucco building at [[Fort Williams]]. On August 26th, 1909, another group of buildings were accepted for service including the district signal station, BC Stations for Batteries Bowdoin and Kendrick, the meteorological station and tide gauge station. In 1911 a brand-new searchlight powerhouse was built near whitehead to serve two 60-inch searchlights transferred April 28th, 1911. Another 60-inch searchlight was located on a concrete platform near Battery Daniels. <gallery mode="packed" heights="75">
	File:LevettMap.jpg\|alt=\|Early 1900s map		File:LevettMap.jpg\|alt=\|Early 1900s map
			File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|Map of narrow gauge railroad.
	File:WhiteheadFCS.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead complex		File:WhiteheadFCS.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead complex
	File:TempDorm.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead Dormitory		File:TempDorm.jpg\|alt=\|Whitehead Dormitory
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	File:Levett (200) 32.jpg\|alt=\|NCO Quarters		File:Levett (200) 32.jpg\|alt=\|NCO Quarters
	File:Levett (200) 31.jpg\|alt=\|1921 Fire Station		File:Levett (200) 31.jpg\|alt=\|1921 Fire Station
			File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|Coal Shed Foundation
	File:Levett (200) 28.jpg\|alt=\|Granite posts for barbed wire behind Battery Kendrick		File:Levett (200) 28.jpg\|alt=\|Granite posts for barbed wire behind Battery Kendrick
			File:Narrow gauge Rail.jpg\|Remaining narrow gauge rail.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	File:Levett (79) 30.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #2		File:Levett (79) 30.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #2
	File:Levett (200) 11.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #1		File:Levett (200) 11.jpg\|alt=\|Emplacement #1
	File:Levett (79) 31.jpg\|alt=\|BC Station remain (dismantled ~~1960s~~)		File:Levett (79) 31.jpg\|alt=\|BC Station remain (dismantled 1990s)
	File:Fort Levetts 14.jpg\|alt=\|Plotting Room		File:Fort Levetts 14.jpg\|alt=\|Plotting Room
	File:Levett (79) 40.jpg\|alt=\|Interior		File:Levett (79) 40.jpg\|alt=\|Interior
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	== Present ==		== Present ==
	In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, ~~Along~~ with the narrow gauge ~~Railroad~~ being dismantled, Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the ~~site~~ of the path. ~~the spot where~~ remaining rail was found ~~was near~~ the ~~Spur~~ up to Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was ~~rebuilt and the rail were removed some point~~ after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was ~~demolished~~, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a ~~tiny~~ cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered with the exception of whitehead, ~~with almost all~~ of the ~~buildings having~~ collapsed. Permission is needed to visit the island.		In 1948 all the remaining guns were scrapped, temporary WWII buildings salvaged, and the post was abandoned, along with the narrow-gauge railroad being dismantled. Some of the rails still remain although they are scattered around the side of the path. The remaining rail was found on the spur leading up to the top of Battery Foote. The rail in the dock was kept until the wood was replaced sometime after 1971. The site of the Wagon shed has been turned into a bocce court. The foundation of the coal shed remains right next to it.The army wanted $177,000 for the entire fort and it was purchased in 1957 and became a private housing complex. In 1970 the original barracks building was blown up, and the Sewell FC stations were razed at whitehead. In the 1960s Battery Bowdoin had drill holes made to test the concrete to see if the battery could be used for storing bank records. It never was and no modifications were made. A fire in the late 1970s destroyed most of the large officer's duplex but part of the first floor was salvaged and is now part of a cottage. The hospital was renovated for a residence and the NCO duplexes were converted to single family dwellings. Some of the storehouses and workshops have also been converted to residences but many buildings also remain as storage such as the power plant, stables, mule barn, fire station and pump house. The area with the batteries and FC stations has been designated a nature preserve operated by the islanders but in the past, there were proposals to make it a camp or a science center. Therefore, many of the buildings remain unchanged although heavily weathered with the exception of whitehead, where most of the Sewell structures have collapsed or been removed. Permission is needed to visit the island.
	~~[[File:Coal shed remains.jpg\|thumb\|foundation of the coal shed]]~~
	~~[[File:Narrow gauge Rail.jpg\|thumb\|One of the remaining Narrow gauge rails]]~~
	~~[[File:Narrow GaugeRRmap.jpg\|thumb\|Map of Narrow Gauge Railroad ]]~~
	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES ===
	https://catalog.archives.gov/id/216887826		[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/216887826 National Archives Catalog]

	[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]		[https://web.archive.org/web/20101008080612/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,826379,00.html Project Science Island]

	[[wikipedia:Cushing_Island\|Cushings Island]]		[[wikipedia:Cushing_Island\|Cushings Island]]

			[https://cdsg.org Coast Defense Study Group]

	[https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/me3.html North American Forts]		[https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/me3.html North American Forts]