Great Diamond Island facts for kids
Great Diamond Island is a cool island located in Casco Bay, Maine, USA. It's actually part of the city of Portland. In 2000, about 77 people lived there all year round.
What makes this island special? You can't get there by car from the mainland! People mostly use golf carts and bicycles to get around. This makes the island feel very "car-free" and "kid-friendly," which is a big reason why people love it.
The island also has a fascinating past. It was once a military base, starting in the late 1800s and staying active through World War II. After the military left, the old buildings and bunkers were empty for over 30 years. Later, they were fixed up and sold as homes to private citizens.
Diamond Cove: A Special Place
Diamond Cove is a unique spot on the northeast side of Great Diamond Island. It's where the ferry stops. This area is built on the grounds of the old Fort McKinley. Many of the homes there were once army barracks and officer's quarters, now beautifully renovated.
You can still find old concrete coastal artillery batteries hidden in the woods. These were used to defend the coast. However, they are on private land and are not safe to explore.
Diamond Cove is a gated community, meaning it's mostly private. But there's a restaurant called Diamond's Edge that's open to everyone, right near the ferry dock. You can even take tours of the historic grounds if you book ahead. Some amazing waterfront homes have been built here, and they've been featured in local magazines! In 1985, the Fort McKinley Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a very important historical site.
There's another seasonal restaurant nearby called Crown Jewel. It's known for its creative seafood dishes and is considered one of Portland's best places to eat.
Diamond Cove's Past
Diamond Cove wasn't always a military base. It started as a peaceful retreat for artists. Famous writers like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriet Beecher Stowe used to visit. It even had a nine-hole golf course!
But when the Spanish–American War began, the island changed. It was almost completely turned into a military base to protect Casco Bay. Fort McKinley was built between 1891 and 1907. It served its purpose until World War II ended in 1945. After the war, the buildings at Diamond Cove were left empty for many years. Eventually, they were renovated and became the community you see today.
