Fort Preble

Fort Preble is a former military installation in South Portland, Maine, featuring stone and brick fortifications that were strategically positioned along the Atlantic coast. The grounds are now managed by a community college and include a small public park with parking available.

The fort was established in 1808 by US Secretary of War Henry Dearborn as part of the Second System of American coastal defenses. In the early 1900s, the original star-shaped structure was removed and replaced with newer artillery batteries for modern defense needs.

The fort takes its name from Commodore Edward Preble, a naval officer whose legacy remains tied to American maritime history. Today visitors walk through grounds that serve as a quiet reminder of this connection, though the fort itself has transformed beyond its original military purpose.

The grounds are open to the public and located on Fort Road with parking available for visitors. The best time to visit is during good weather, as the main features are outdoors.

The fort's original star-shaped design was completely removed between 1896 and 1906 to make way for heavy artillery batteries. This transformation shows how rapidly military technology made the earlier fortification style obsolete.

Location: South Portland

Inception: 1808

GPS coordinates: 43.64861,-70.22639

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41