Fort Lyon (1)
Fort Lyon (1) (1896-1946) - An Endicott Period Coastal Fort first established in 1896, as a subpost of Fort McKinley, on Cow Island, Cumberland County, Maine. Named Fort Lyon in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, U.S. Volunteers (Captain 2nd U.S. Infantry), who served during the Mexican-American War and the U.S. Civil War, and who was killed in action at Wilsons Creek, Missouri, 10 Aug 1861. Turned over to the city of Portland, Maine, in 1946.
Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Part of the Harbor Defense of Portland, Maine.
Fort Lyon was built on 22 acres of Cow Island, Cumberland County, Maine. The land was acquired by the government in 1873. Two Endicott Period gun batteries were built on Fort Lyon, Battery Bayard was accepted for service on 27 Dec 1907 and Battery Abbot was accepted for service on 29 Jan 1909.
Fort Lyon operated as a subpost of Fort McKinley and much of the time was in caretaker status. A single set of NCO quarters was constructed on the island in 1907 to house a ordinance sergeant caretaker. Fresh water was furnished to the post via underwater pipe from Fort McKinley except during the winter when it was turned off. A small well was used during the winter.
| Battery Click on Battery links below |
No. | Caliber | Type Mount | Service Years | Battery Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Bayard | 3 | 6" | Disappearing | 1907-1917 | $ 122,922 | Guns to France |
| Battery Abbot | 3 | 3" | Pedestal | 1909-1946 | $ 19,675 | |
| Source: CDSG | ||||||
World War I (1917-1918)
World War II (1941-1945)
During World War II, Battery Abbot and antiaircraft battery #3 were active on Fort Lyon. The post was deactivated after the end of the war and transferred to the city of Portland, Maine, in 1946.
Current Status
Private property on Cow Island, Cumberland County, Maine.
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Location: Cow Island, Cumberland County, Maine. Maps & Images Lat: 43.6914711 Long: -70.1842145 |
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 367
- U.S.Army, Supplement to the Harbor Defense Project of Portland, Maine, (HDPB-AN-45), 11 Apr 1945, CDSG
Links:
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