Fort Gorges is on Hog Island, Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, it is a stone fort in a commanding position on a reef, guarding the entrances to the upper harbor as well as to the ship channel. Although designed to complete the harbor defense, it was not built until much later than the earlier forts, Preble and Scammell. It was commenced in 1858 but was not completed until 1864 or 1865. It was built under the direction of Captain Casey, of the United States Engineering Corps, and in bomb-proofs and barbette, was designed to receive 195 guns. Although a formidable looking fortress it was designed for short range guns, so the introduction of modern heavy ordnance made its period of usefulness a brief one. Fort Gorges may be reached by boat from Portland or Cushings Island. The parade ground inside the fort is a dirt one, anybody seeking buried treasure there, might find such articles as buttons, shoe buckles, coins, bayonets and other properties carried by the soldiers who were stationed there at the end of the Civil War. The buried artifacts would not be too deep, maybe one or two feet for an average. This fort would be one of the ideal locations for the modern treasure hunter and his metal detector. I’m sure your time would not be wasted in a two or three hour search there. If you decide to visit the old fort, do not forget to take a box lunch, as the salt air will create a wonderful appetite. CHAPTER III FORT SCAMMELL On House Island, Casco Bay, you will find Fort Scammell. This fort was built in 1808, under the direction of Mr. H.A.S. Dearborn, who under authorization of the War Department, purchased for twelve hundred dollars, all the southwest part of House Island containing twelve acres more or less. On the highest point of this island an octagonal block-house of timber was erected, with a porthole and a gun on each side. The upper story projecting over the lower, two or three feet; contained the battery. On the low upright center timbers of the roof, was a carved wooden eagle with extended wings. Fort Scammell, like its sister, Fort Preble, was named for a Revolutionary officer, Colonel Alexander Scammell. Fort Scammell was never so extensive a fortification as Fort Preble. It was enlarged at the time of the Civil War, until its equipment called for seventy-one pieces. Fort Scammell may be reached by boat from either Portland or South Portland. The treasure hunter, here too, will have a great time with his detector. There should be, hidden out of sight, a number of old relics that could be located with a good metal detector. The date of the fort being as I mentioned 1808, therefore the artifacts that might be found here, would really have some value. Don’t forget to secure permission before you hunt on any property. The owner will like you better for this. CHAPTER IV PEAKS ISLAND