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From the time it opened in 1807, the Observatory was a tourist attraction that drew local residents and travelers alike. The complex included a banquet and dance hall as well as a bowling alley. Moody built his house and other buildings near the tower. The Observatory was built on Munjoy Hill at the eastern end of the Portland peninsula as it offered the best view of the Atlantic Ocean. He coined the phrase “signalizing” to describe the system. For a fee, he alerted subscribing merchants by hoisting signal flags identifying their vessels. With his powerful telescope, Moody, sea captain turned entrepreneur, identified incoming vessels as far away as 30 miles. In 1807, ships entering the harbor could not be seen from the docks of Portland until they rounded the point at Spring Point Ledge. Parking is on the street or in pay parking lots in the area.“Captain Lemuel Moody (1768-1846) ordered construction of this octagonal, 86-foot high tower to serve as a communication station for Portland’s bustling harbor.
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Tour begins at the intersection of Franklin and Commercial Streets near the large globe. Walk with us through a compact urban neighborhood that has reinvented itself many times over.
THE OBSERVATORY PORTLAND FULL
This tour through Portland’s oldest neighborhood encompasses the full sweep of the city’s fascinating history, from busy seaport to railroad and industrial center, to today’s dining and tourist destination. The tour focuses on the heyday of the neighborhood, the mid-19th to early 20th century, when it was home to a diverse population of Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrants and one of the nation’s oldest free black communities – all living next to the wharves, train yards and factories that were the city’s economic engine. June 7, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, August 30, Please contact the Greater Portland Landmarks office at 20 for scheduling. Our knowledgeable guides are willing to work with your party to customize a walking tour that incorporates your interests and accommodates your schedule!Ħ0-75 minute private tours are $25/person. In addition to our regularly scheduled guided tour s, we offer private walking tours for any group of 2 or more people. We are not currently requiring our guides or tour participants to wear face coverings. The tour routes are mostly level.ĬOVID-19 precautions: Greater Portland Landmarks is carefully following recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Maine Governor’s Office to protect the health and safety of our visitors and guides. We walk at a comfortable and non-strenuous pace. Western Promenade Homes of Portland’s Golden AgeĮach tour takes approximately 60-75 minutes. Please see below for descriptions of each tour, their individual schedules, and to purchase tickets.
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These tours visit three distinct and fascinating neighborhoods in Portland, offering a unique perspective on the city’s history and built environment. Greater Portland Landmarks offers scheduled walking tours led by our passionate and knowledgeable volunteer guides.