The Portland Head Light was commissioned by George Washington and completed in 1791 using whale oil lamps.
The Goddard Mansion, located within the park, was built in 1859 for a wealthy local merchant and remains in a state of stabilized ruin.
During World War II, the fort served as a defensive installation protecting the harbor of Portland, Maine.
The park contains the only remaining lighthouse in Maine that has been in continuous operation since the 18th century.
The park's cliff geology features exposed rocks dating back to the Paleozoic era.
The 1984 film 'Casablanca' (the television movie) used the park as a filming location.
Fort Williams Park is a 90-acre public park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, housing the historic Portland Head Light. The site originally served as a military fortification from 1872 until its decommissioning in 1964. Today, the park features the ruins of the Goddard Mansion and various concrete artillery bunkers overlooking Casco Bay. Visitors can access a network of cliffside walking trails, recreational fields, and beach access at Ship Cove. The park is home to the Portland Head Light Museum, which is housed in the former keeper's quarters. It remains a municipally owned facility managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth.
The lower cliff trail path looking back toward the lighthouse provides the classic angle incorporating the rocks, surf, and tower.
Explore the side trails toward the southern end of the property for fewer crowds and better views of the rugged coastline.
Bring a windbreaker or layers, as the Atlantic ocean breeze keeps temperatures significantly cooler than inland Maine.
Check the park's official website for potential event closures, as sections of the park are occasionally reserved for private or municipal functions.
Attempting to climb on the ruins of the Goddard Mansion or the abandoned military bunkers, which are structurally unstable and cordoned off.
Park grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk; the lighthouse museum is seasonal and typically closed during winter months.
Leash laws are strictly enforced for dogs; pack out all trash to maintain the coastal ecosystem.
