Episode 13: Portland Observatory

If you love History and vistas, go to the Portland Observatory. This maritime signal tower was actually built in the 1800's. It is indeed a structural marvel and it is the only known remaining tower of its kind in the U.S. The Portland Observatory has served as a beloved emblem of the city’s opulent maritime heritage. About ten years ago it became a National Historic Landmark. There are different levels and floors on the way up. There are exhibitions of the Portland history on each level. It gets very narrow towards the top but don’t worry because the wooden stairs aren't too hard to traverse. Climbing this tower is totally doable. There are several floors to take a rest on when you needed. The circular stairs are the only way to the upper levels but it’s certainly worth the climb because you’ll see the spectacular view of the harbor and the city. The Portland Observatory is a seven-story brick tower. In the past, it served as a signal tower that warned Portlanders of arriving vessels for fishing, military and merchants. Now it has been restored to reward climbers with the 360-degree panoramic views of the city, Casco Bay and busy harbors. It is now a great educational tower that provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the history of Portland. It is a non-profit organization which preserves the structure of the Portland Observatory. They guide tours and knowledgeably discuss the history of the building. It operates the Observatory as a museum and historic site. The volunteers of Greater Portland Landmarks are trained to facilitate guided tours. They ensure an overall excellent experience for visitors. The exhibits are intended to give information on the Portland tower’s history and maintenance.Photo portland observatory by charlie vinz is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0