The fort was named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble, a notable officer in the early United States Navy.
During the Civil War, the fort was heavily modernized with masonry casemates to defend against advanced ironclad warships.
The site houses remnants of Battery Chapman, which once featured 12-inch disappearing guns intended to destroy enemy vessels at long range.
The adjacent Spring Point Ledge Light was constructed in 1897 and is now connected to the campus grounds by a 900-foot-long breakwater made of granite blocks.
The fort was deactivated as a military installation in 1950 when the land was transferred to the state for educational use.
Fort Preble is an active fortification site located on the campus of Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. Originally constructed in 1808 to protect Portland Harbor, the star-shaped masonry fort saw significant expansions during the American Civil War and remained active through World War II. The site features original granite casemates, earthworks, and historic batteries overlooking the entrance to the harbor. Visitors can view the Spring Point Ledge Light, which is connected to the fort grounds by a granite breakwater. The fortification played a key role in the Harbor Defenses of Portland during the 20th century. Today, the grounds integrate academic facilities with military history, allowing public access to the coastal ramparts.
The tip of the breakwater looking back toward the fort with the lighthouse in the foreground.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to navigate the uneven granite breakwater leading to the lighthouse.
Visit during low tide if you intend to explore the rockier sections of the shoreline.
Check the Southern Maine Community College campus map before arriving to identify public parking areas.
Do not attempt to walk the breakwater during high winds or stormy weather, as the granite blocks become extremely slick.
Respect the site as an active academic campus; stay off restricted college buildings and private research areas.
