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Description
Built by Captain Lemuel Moody in 1807, this is the last remaining maritime signal tower left standing in the United States. The Observatory served as a communications link between incoming vessels and the waterfront. Vessel owners created a logo for their company in the form of a flag that their vessel would fly when sailing into the harbor. With his powerful telescope, Captain Moody would spot vessels about 18 miles offshore and, for a yearly subscription fee, hoist an identical flag at the top of the Observatory. This system would alert people on the waterfront that their vessel was arriving so they could secure wharf space and arrange for workers to offload cargo, increasing the efficiency of harbor operations.
The Portland Observatory is located at 138 Congress Street in the historic Munjoy Hill neighborhood.
- The Observatory is open Thursdays through Mondays until we close for the season on October 11.
- 45 minute guided tours of the building every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
- Free parking is available on Congress Street or any of the streets located off of Congress Street.
- Tour size is limited to 10 or fewer people.
- Pre-purchased, timed tickets only. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please arrive as close to your tour time as possible. Tours begin promptly on the hour and half hour.
- For the safety of our volunteers and staff, face coverings are required, regardless of vaccination status.
- No refunds.
- Please Note: The exterior lift, used for wheelchair access to the first floor, is currently unavailable..
Date & Time
Jul 1 - Oct 11, 2021
Venue Details
Portland Observatory
138 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101, US
