Great Diamond:
Photo courtesy of Tamson Smith
Great Diamond Island is an island in Casco Bay, Maine. It is part of the city of
Portland, Maine. As of the 2000 census, the island had a year-round population of
77. The island is not easily accessible by motor vehicle and has a limited network
of roads. The primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. This
fact has become a selling point for the island, marketing the area as "car free"
and "kid friendly."[1] The island was used as a military base starting in the late
1800s and continuing through World War II. After the base was decommissioned, the
bunkers and residences were left idle for over 30 years before being developed and
sold to private citizens.
Diamond Cove is a resort community, and ferry stop at the northeastern side of the
island. The Diamond Cove properties are on the grounds of the former Fort McKinley,
making use of the army barracks and officer's quarters as renovated condominiums. The
abandoned concrete coastal artillery batteries still exist in the woods at the east
of the island, although they are technically private property and off-limits due to
safety concerns. The community is gated and, for the most part, not open to the
general public, although the Diamond's Edge restaurant is open and located just
off the Casco Bay ferry dock. Tours of the grounds, by reservation, are also
available. A limited number of homes have also been built on the waterfront areas
of the island; many have been featured in local magazines and newspapers.
The island is served by Casco Bay Lines
ferry service.
Events:
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Transportation:
Casco Bay Lines provides passenger service to the island. phone:(207) 774-7871. There are all so several water taxi's that provide service to the island. While on the Island the best transportation is walking, or a bicycle.Services:
- Store
- Restaurant
- Inn