Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 45 Seashore Avenue, Peaks Island, Portland, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000169 |
| Added to NRHP | January 5, 1978 |
The Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center is a special old building. You can find it on Peaks Island, which is part of Portland, Maine. This island is located in Casco Bay.
Brave veterans from the American Civil War built this center in 1888. They wanted to remember their friends who died in the war. It was also a place where they could meet up and share stories. Today, the center is a museum that you can visit. It was recognized as a historic place in 1978.
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What is the Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center?
A Special Building on Peaks Island
Peaks Island is a busy island in Casco Bay. It sits to the east of the main city of Portland. The Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center is on the south side of the island. It looks out over the water towards Cushing Island.
The Building's Unique Look
This building is made of wood and has two main floors. It also has a cool three-story round tower at one corner. The roof slopes down to cover a porch that goes all around the building. The outside walls are covered with wooden boards. Some parts have fancy, cut wooden shingles. The building sits right on a rocky ledge that goes down to the beach.
History of the Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center
Built by Civil War Heroes
The community center was finished in 1888. It's a great example of a memorial and clubhouse from that time. It was built in a style called Queen Anne. A group of veterans from the 5th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment built it. They were soldiers who fought in the Civil War.
Remembering the Past
These veterans wanted to honor their fallen friends. They also needed a place to hold their regular meetings. The land for the building was given to them as a gift.
A Museum and Event Space Today
The same organization still owns the building. It is now open as a museum. Here, you can learn about local history and the Civil War. It's also a place where different events are held.
Other Places to See
- Eighth Maine Regiment Memorial, another similar historic building on Peaks Island.
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Portland, Maine
