Cape Elizabeth enjoys a unique position on the Maine coastline. Extending nearly twelve miles into the Atlantic ocean and surrounded by rocky shores and white sandy beaches, Cape Elizabeth defines the entrance to Casco Bay - Maine's most natural harbor and working waterfront. Most of Cape Elizabeth's residential and commercial activity are within close proximity to the seacoast, as is typical along the Maine coast. The town is approximately 9,337 acres, or 15 square miles and the most recent census figures estimate the town's population at just under 10,000. Population density is minimal at less than 500 residents per square mile. Cape Elizabeth is a spectacular combination of suburban living in a rural environment. The coast of Maine is riddled with rocky outcroppings, reefs, ledges, and small islands, making navigation dangerous and challenging. For hundreds of years, lighthouses on the mainland have helped guide ships safely into harbors, and those on barren rocks in the ocean have helped ships avoid treacherous shoals and ledges.
Portland Head Light is the oldest of Maine's 66 lighthouses. It was built during the presidency of George Washington and is the oldest operating and most photographed lighthouse in America. On April 13, 1894, President McKinley named the one-time subpost of Fort Preble, Cape Elizabeth's first military fortification, Fort Williams. Named after Brevet Major General Seth Williams, Fort Williams grew to be a tremendous military asset during World War II.
Besides protecting the shoreline of Cape Elizabeth, the infantry and artillery units provided the Harbor Defense for Portland. After the war, many of the forts in Casco Bay were closed, including Fort Williams, which traded in its defense of the coast for caretaker status and Army Reserve accommodations. Fort Williams was officially closed and deactivated on June 30, 1963. | Demographic Statistics | | Cape Elizabeth | | National Avg | | | | | | | | Rainfall (inches) | | 43.2 | | 36.6 | | Snowfall (inches) | | 71.5 | | 25.2 | | Precipitation Days | | 131 | | 101 | | Sunny Days | | 200 | | 205 | | Comfort Index | | 55 | | 44 | | Elevation (feet) | | 45 | | 1,062 | | Air Quality | | 18 | | 48 | | Water Quality | | 70 | | 55 | | Sales Tax | | 5% | | 6% | | Property Tax Rate (per $1,000) | | 16.46 | | 13.28 | | Commute Time (minutes) | | 21.1 | | 27.4 | | Cost of Living | | 137% | | 100 |
| Cape Elizabeth, Maine - Community Resources |
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