Fort Williams ( Maine ) Fort Williams is a former United States Army fort in Cape Elizabeth , Maine which operated from 1872 to 1964 . After its closure , it was redeveloped into Fort Williams Park . History . A 14 - acre purchase in 1872 served to establish a sub - post to Fort Preble located at Spring Point . This fortification became known as Fort Williams on April 13 , 1899 , by order of Army Headquarters ( General Order No . 17 , Headquarters of the Army , Adjutant General ' s Office , Washington , D . C . ) . It was named for Brevet Major General Seth Williams . As built , the fort contained three batteries , each with two guns : Battery Sullivan , Battery DeHart and Battery Hobart , all built between 1896 and 1898 . Three other 2 - gun batteries were added later : Battery Blair , 12 - inch disappearing guns ( 1903 ) ; Battery Garesché , 6 - inch disappearing guns ( 1906 ) ; and Battery Keyes , 3 - inch rapid - firing guns ( 1906 ) , the latter to guard a minefield . Searchlights were also mounted at various batteries . Between 1900 and 1911 , most of Fort Williams ' support buildings were constructed , including enlisted barracks , non - commissioned officers ' quarters , commissioned officers ' quarters ( Officers ' Row ) , hospital , gymnasium , post exchange , bakery , abattoir , commissary , laundry , chapel , fire station , Fort headquarters , and other buildings including garages and storage sheds . Infrastructure included an electrical substation , a bunker ed telephone switchboard , and pumps and underground storage tanks for gasoline and fuel oil . Recreational facilities included a baseball diamond with concrete bleachers , and clubs ( the officers ' club utilized the already existing Goddard mansion , purchased by the government and added to the property ) . During World War I , the fort was fully manned by artillery companies and National Guard troops . Anti - aircraft guns were added to the defenses during this time . Fort Williams served as the headquarters of the Harbor Defenses of Portland throughout World War II , during which time the last of the coastal artillery pieces were removed due to age and obsolescence . In January 1950 , Fort Williams ' mission was officially changed from a harbor defense post to a logistical and administrative support installation for all military units and personnel in the State of Maine . On Saturday , June 30 , 1962 , Fort Williams officially closed and was turned over to the General Services Administration to be sold . The property was sold to the Town of Cape Elizabeth on December 1 , 1964 . Many of the fort ' s buildings were gradually torn down , though several structures remain , either intact or as preserved ruins . Most of the concrete bunkers and gun emplacements were backfilled , although Batteries Keyes and Garesche survive relatively intact , and the outlines of all the other emplacements were preserved on the surface . One of the two emplacements of Battery Blair was recently unearthed again , with its surfaces cleaned and painted and interpretive signage added ; plans are being made to restore Blair ' s second emplacement in like manner . Present . After proposals ranging from a Coastal Science Park to low - income housing , the Cape Elizabeth Town Council designated Fort Williams on July 23 , 1979 , as Fort Williams Park . The park has been maintained for residents and non - residents for no fee . Recreational facilities include two tennis courts , a basketball court , baseball diamond , a course for physical fitness , picnic tables and cookout facilities , a picnic shelter , and recreational opportunities for walking , running , and dogwalking . All visitors to Portland Head Light pass through the park , adding to its visibility . The Beach to Beacon 10K is one of the park ' s largest events of the year .