Military · 1898–1945
Fort Levett — Battery Foote
Endicott-era coastal artillery
[C]Confirmed43.64312° N, 70.19527° W Suggested 60 min
Historical significance
Fort Levett was constructed beginning in 1898 as part of the Endicott system defending Portland Harbor. Battery Foote and its neighbors mounted disappearing rifles, mortars, and later anti-aircraft guns through both World Wars.
Field observations
- Reinforced concrete emplacements with ventilation openings and sealed doors.
- Drainage channels cut into the ledge to keep magazines dry.
- Cable trenches trace ammunition routes between batteries.
Engineering / Landscape reading
Endicott batteries hid underground service spaces below the visible parapet. Accessible tunnels on Cushing today are unverified — treat closed doors as closed.
Detector potential
★★★★☆4/5
Likely finds
Uniform buttonsBrass fittings & tent stakesMess kit fragmentsNails, hinges, utility hardware
Soldiers lost most objects where they lived, not where they fought. Sweep barracks pads, walkways, and observation points rather than the parapet itself. Never disturb ordnance.
Open research questions
- 1.Where did the men actually sleep, eat, and stand watch?
- 2.Could unmapped magazines still exist under the parapet?
- 3.How do the drainage cuts reveal the engineer's intent?
Field actions
From the archive
Nearby