Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

The observatory served as a communications link between ship and shore. Captain Lemuel Moody , who manned the tower from it opening in 1807 until his death in 1846, devised a thorough - and sometimes complicated - signaling system using flags, balls, and pennants, displayed in various combinations from two and later three staffs. He used the signals to communicate to the merchants on the wharves a mile away exactly which ships or types of ships were coming in and how far out they were. This allowed ship owners to secure wharf space and arrange for the workers needed to offload the cargo. Over 100 Captains, owners, and companies paid yearly fees for this valuable service. Moody's system also included signals for shipwrecks, vessels requesting towboats, and battle ships.

Moody's powerful telescope had a magnification of 65 times, and on a clear day he could see vessels 30 miles out to sea. His notes of ships' distinguishing features, including type of ship, number of masts, figurehead, and ornamental carvings, allowed him to make accurate identifications.

Signaling continued from the Observatory from 1807 to 1923, when modern communications and navigational aids, such as the telegraph, rendered signal towers obsolete. The Portland Observatory is the last remaining maritime signal tower in the United States.

In the tower there are markers pointing in each direction to explain and assist the visitor to what is there and why it was important:
West:
Look west down Congress Street and you will see the Eastern Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in the city, where Lemuel Moody and many of his family members are buried. Located adjacent to the cemetery is the North School (1867), which now serves as housing. The building stands at the corner of Congress and India Streets. These streets have been two of Portland's main corridors for over 300 years.

Further down Congress Street toward downtown Portland, you may spot the copper dome and gilded weathervane of City Hall (1909-1912) standing out on the city's skyline.

South/Southwest:
Look to the southwest and you may see vessels bound for Portland Harbor. After passing by Portland Head Light (1791) in Cape Elizabeth, they continue through a narrow channel past Cushing island and travel along the South Portland shoreline as the head toward Portland's Commercial Street wharves.

During Moody's tenure atop the Observatory (1807-1846) he would have seen many types of sailing vessels, including clipper ships, early steam ships, and tug boats. Today you may spot huge oil tankers docking at the Portland Pipe Line or massive cargo and container ships heading for one of the harbor's many marine terminals. Lobster boats, fishing trawlers, and pleasure craft join the passenger ferries and cruise ships that make Portland their port-of-call.

North/Northeast:
Looking northeast, you will see the route that the Observatory's "sticks of fine timber" took as they floated down the Presumpscot River around Martin's Point to a landing spot at the foot of Munjoy Hill.

You will also see Tukey's Bridge, which connects the Portland peninsula to Falmouth. There has been a bridge at this site since 1796.

Below on Congress Street, you will see the steeple of the St. Lawrence Congregational Church (1897). Although it is no longer used for religious purposes, efforts are underway to restore the historic landmark as the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center.

North/Northwest:
When Captain Moody pointed his Observatory telescope in this direction, he saw the penicles of Mt. Washington and the White Mountains rising over Back Cove. On a clear day, you may see these mountains in the distance without the aid of a telescope. Today the view includes Interstate 295, build on land that formerly was part of the cove.

Closer to the Observatory, look down North Street and you will see the school, to the right is a small public park, located on the site of Fort (1794).

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