There has been an effort put forth within the last 18 months to find a willing party to restore this old decrepit prison located at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (in Kittery, ME). The building was sort of the “Alcatraz of the East”, and I’ve heard it had a reputation of being pretty rugged. A movie was filmed here as well with someone famous in it, whose name I can’t recall. Another famous guy who served in the Navy was also a guard here. I’ll try to update once I can find their names. In the meantime, this would be a great redevelopment project if the numbers made sense and if the right businesses and/or residents come together in a way that’s in line with the property’s restrictions. The state of disrepair is quite fascinating, go take a look when you have a chance.
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5 Comments
July 24, 2009 at 5:00 pm
The myth is that Humphrey Bogart got his scar while in the Navy and transporting a prisoner here. Wikipedia says it’s true, but…
Today’s news: The Navy rejected all proposals for redevelopment.
July 26, 2009 at 11:04 am
Thanks for the info on the actor, I couldn’t think of his name for the life of me! Too bad about the proposals….it is going to take someone with very deep pockets and a wish to see the property utilized (and less worried about a return on investment).
September 26, 2009 at 11:15 pm
The Bogart thing is true. I think his earliest movies don’t have the scar, and then you see it later. The movie that was filmed here was “Last Detail” with Jack Nicholson.
Also, Walt Disney visited here and was inspired by the turrets, which are quite similar to the WD castle that he then went home and designed.
See, living across the river from the old prison for five years actually paid off for me in the end.
Cheers,
Amy (Sutton)
September 27, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Amy – thanks for the note, and the details! Very cool, had never heard that about Walt Disney and Disney World….I never knew you lived right there, what a spot! Hope all is well and to catch up soon
October 24, 2009 at 12:05 am
[...] roadway leads to and from the island of New Castle, and off to the right (out of frame) sits the Portsmouth Naval Prison. Taken at dusk, some lasting rays of sunlight can be seen on the horizon with some wispy rain [...]