The Historic Portland Obsrvatory Opens for the Summer Season on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 am
The opening of the historic Observatory atop Munjoy Hill usually has felt like a sure sign that spring has arrived. And so it does once again this year. Despite the rainy Saturdays.
The Observatory opens for the season on Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 am according to Greater Portland Landmarks who manages the historic spot for the city of Portland, who owns the property. And It WILL be sunny!
If you are not familialr with the history of this historic tower or need a reminder, it goes like this:
Back in 1807 Captain Lemuel Moody (1768 – 1846) constructed the 86-foot tower as a communications method to alert ship owners in the area that their cargo laden ships had arrived in Portland from ports overseas. He constructed the tower with the financial support of the Portland Monument Society. This notification was accomplished by raising signal flags representing ship owners as soon as they were almost in Portland Harbor. This early notice gave ship owners time to assemble crews to unload ships at Portland’s masive wharves.
The structure has no foundation because of its location and height. Rather, it is secured by earth-level tons of granite stone.
Advance notice to ship owners could be given because of the use of Captain Moody’s powerful telescope located at the top of the tower. This communications’ system greatly increased the efficiency of Portland Harbor. But, because of the invention of the two-way radio, the Observatory became obsolete. And in fact, it fell into disrepair. Fortunately, the city of Portland took possession of the tower. Restoration was done to the tower and it was opened as a tourist attraction in 1939 – where it is a popular attraction on Munjoy Hill. The history of the tower itself, the surrounding buildings as well as the incredible view from the tower top have made it a popular destination for tourists. On a clear day, the view includes the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Portland is a deep water port, one of the deepest on the east coast. That was a factor that led to its establishment as an important base in the maritime defense of this nation during World War 11. There have been reports of residents seeing German subs off the coast during the War. The deepness of the port has also contributed to its commercial success.
In 1984, Greater Portland Landmarks took over managemet of the tower for the city of Portland. It is the only signal tower that remains standing in the US. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Guided tours by docents are available starting at the base of the tower. There is also a small gift shop at the base as well.. The Observatory is open Monday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm with last entry into the building at 3:30 pm. For information on admission fees, please call 207 – 253-1800.
For more background information on the Observatory, please visit posts herein dated June 30, 2020, August 14, 2021 and May 27, 2022.