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Peaks Island, ME 04108
Peaks Island, Maine Town, Travel & Tourist Information
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An Island town official part of Portland, this location boasts over 720 acres of summer fun. Settled in 1670, Peaks became a favorite vacation spot in the early 1880's.
Peaks Island, Maine is one of over 211 islands in Casco Bay. Peaks Island is home to 1,000 or more year round residents. During the summer months, the population grows several times as people flock to the island to enjoy the island charm and beauty of Casco Bay.
The Casco Bay Ferry Line operates ferry runs daily depending on the time of year. The island is approximately 2 miles long and 1 mile wide (at it's widest point). If you keep to the shore roads, the island can be walked easily in an hour or biked in 15-20 minutes.
In the late 19th century Peaks Island became a popular summer destination. Peaks Island was once known as the Coney Island of Maine, home to several hotels, summer cottages, movie theaters, and amusement parks.
Hollywood film director John Ford, the Hollywood film director was born in Portland, Maine as John Martin Feeney, and was known as "The Mayor of Peaks Island" because of his great love for the island. Ford vacationed on Peaks Island from boyhood through the early 1960s, and once worked as an usher at the Gem Theater.. Ford family members still live on the island.
Most of the hotels were lost to fires over the years. The Gem Theater was destroyed by fire on September 7, 1934. 17 buildings burned to the ground on June 2, 1936, including the new Union House Hotel. The only original hotel structure remaining on the island is the Avenue House, which has been converted into condominiums.
During World War II, the island was home to a large military defense installation, including the largest structure, Battery Steele, which housed two 16 inch (406 mm) guns. When Battery Steele's guns were first tested, windows on the opposite side of the island shattered.
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