Portland Observatory on Congress Street in Portland, Maine - Encircle Photos

31 Portland Observatory on Congress Street in Portland, Maine

You have now entered Munjoy Hill. The major landmark in this otherwise residential neighborhood is the Portland Observatory. The tower is only 86 feet tall. However, because it is located near the peak of the hill, the elevation is 222 feet. This height was perfect to observe – using a fixed telescope – incoming ships hours before they reached the port docks. A signalman used flags to communicate with the arriving vessels and then notified workers along the wharfs using additional flags. The octagonal wooden tower was operational from 1807 until 1923. The maritime signal station is now a seasonal museum. The cupola is an observation platform for tourists.

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Portland Observatory on Congress Street in Portland, Maine

138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

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