Fort Gorges

There’s something unforgettable about exploring Fort Gorges on your own. With no signs telling you where to go or what to see, you’re free to wander — to imagine what it felt like to live here, to guard the harbor, to stand on the rooftop watching ships approach the city.

Whether you’re into photography, history, or just looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Casco Bay, Fort Gorges delivers.

A photo of Fort Gorges on a summer afternoon with blue skies.
A zoomed-in photo of Fort Gorges shows the lush foliage growing on top of the fort.
An aerial photo of Fort Gorges taken directly above the fort, shows the fort itself and the surrounding waters.
A photo taken from inside Fort Gorges shows the front entrance.
A photo of Fort Gorges taken at night with the fort illuminated by the city lights.
A photo looking down the side of Fort Gorges at sun set shows the American flag billowing in the distance
A photo of the front of Fort Gorges shows the weather-worn welcome sign.
A photo of the inside of Fort Gorges shows the lush foliage growing all around the fort's courtyard.
A photo taken from inside the fort shows orange wild flowers growing in the courtyard.

Fort Gorges: History You Can Step Into

Rising straight out of Portland Harbor on Hog Island Ledge, Fort Gorges looks like something from another time — because it is. Built during the Civil War and never used in combat, this abandoned granite fort is now one of the most fascinating and accessible historic sites in Casco Bay.

There are no ferries, no tour buses, and no ticket lines. The only way to visit? By boat — and that’s where we come in.

Exploring Fort Gorges by Boat

While other visitors pass by on harbor cruises or look at the fort from the Eastern Prom, you’ll do something different: pull up your own boat, step onto the gravel landing, and walk right inside.

Once ashore, you’ll find:

  • Towering granite walls rising straight from the sea

  • Wide archways, spiral staircases, and open-air corridors

  • Original 19th-century masonry untouched by modern construction

  • Panoramic rooftop views of Portland, South Portland, and other historic forts

Exploring Fort Gorges is like stepping back in time — quiet, raw, and slightly surreal. It’s not polished or curated, and that’s exactly what makes it so memorable.

A Quick History of Fort Gorges

  • Construction began: 1858

  • Built from: Granite shipped from nearby quarries

  • Military use: None — it was completed after advances in naval technology made it obsolete

  • Later roles: Ammunition storage during WWI and WWII

  • Ownership: Transferred from the Navy to the City of Portland in 1960

  • Sister forts: Fort Preble and Fort Scammel — both visible from the top of Fort Gorges

Today, the fort is maintained by Friends of Fort Gorges, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving its structure and making it safe for public access.

Tips for Visiting Fort Gorges

  • Landing: Best at mid-to-high tide; small beach area for dinghy/kayak

  • Shoes: Wear sturdy footwear — it’s uneven and rugged inside

  • Safety: There are open stairwells, low railings, and dark corners. Explore carefully.

  • Bring a flashlight: Some interior areas are dim

  • Leave no trace: Pack out all trash and respect the site