Fort Levett on Cushing Island was one of the prominent manned military forts in the Greater Portland Area during World War I. Soldiers are pictured in training formation uniformed and with guns. They appear to be instructed by six leaders.

Other active forts were Fort Preble in South Portland, Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth, and Fort Mckinley on Great Diamond Island.

On these sites, soldiers were housed and trained in preparation for America's potential involvement in the war, which occurred by April of 1917, and to act as a national guard should any attacks have made their way stateside.