FORT PREBLE
Here we have a fort that was started in 1808 and finished about 1812,
just before the War of 1812. It was named for Commodore Preble,
prominent in the Revolutionary Navy. At the time of the Civil War it was
enlarged and had a complement of 72 guns. The early fortress was of
whitewashed brick ramparts which faced the channel.
On the site of this fort a log meeting house once stood, a gathering
place for the earliest settlers of this area. This location may be
reached by going to South Portland and proceeding to the Maine
Vocational Technical Institute on Fort Road. This school now occupies
the Fort Preble grounds. The old fortifications are in the rear of the
grounds at the water's edge.
When you arrive at the fort, go to the Administration Building and
secure permission to check the old ramparts.
Here you will find many old gun emplacements. These should be given your
undivided attention; use your metal detector very carefully as many
artifacts and relics must still be lying about. Don't forget to check
the beach area in front of the old ramparts. The ground inside the
granite walls should be another interesting spot for the metal detector.
One of the earliest cemeteries in the entire Cape is located on this
point of land. It is called the "Thrasher" burying ground. The Thrashers
were the early settlers of this area. They had a large farm on the point
back in the 1600's.
Much trading with the Indians took place on Fort Point where Preble was
erected, so I would definitely not miss this location on my treasure
hunting expedition.
As I mentioned earlier the Civil War was in progress when the fort was
enlarged. There are probably many articles of this period still in the
compounds of old Fort Preble, so go over the area and see what you can
come up with. I'm sure your time will not be wasted.
This is one of the easiest locations to reach, as it is on the mainland,
and a short ride from Portland either by bus or taxi. There is a
restaurant within hailing distance of the fort, so you can get a lunch
and keep right on with your search.