Portland Head Light

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Category: East Coast Lighthouses
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History of Portland Head Light

Overview

Portland Head Light, located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, at the entrance to Portland Harbor in Casco Bay, is one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the United States. Standing 101 feet above sea level, the 80-foot rubblestone tower, painted white with a black lantern, is Maine’s oldest lighthouse, first lit on January 10, 1791. Managed by the U.S. Coast Guard as an active aid to navigation, it is part of Fort Williams Park, which spans 90 acres and offers public access to the lighthouse grounds. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Establishment and Early History (1787–1850s)

The need for a lighthouse at Portland Head arose due to the hazardous rocky coastline and growing maritime trade in Portland, a key New England port. In 1787, Massachusetts (which then included Maine) petitioned the federal government, and President George Washington authorized construction, appropriating $1,500. Local masons Jonathan Bryant and John Nichols built the conical rubblestone tower, using local stone, for $2,250. The first keeper, Joseph Greenleaf, was appointed by Washington, and the light, powered by 16 whale oil lamps, was first lit in 1791. A keeper’s house was added in 1793.

By 1810, the tower showed signs of deterioration, leading to repairs and the addition of a new lantern. In 1813, a 20-foot keeper’s dwelling was constructed, and in 1855, a fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed, significantly improving the light’s range and reliability. The tower was raised by 20 feet in 1864 to increase visibility but lowered again in 1883 after mariners complained it was obscured by fog.

Civil War and Reconstruction (1860s–1880s)

During the Civil War, Portland Head Light played a critical role in guiding Union ships and protecting the harbor from potential Confederate raids. In 1865, the tower was rebuilt with a new lantern and a second-order Fresnel lens, enhancing its prominence. A fog bell was added in 1869, replaced by a steam-powered fog signal in 1881. The keeper’s house was rebuilt in 1891 as a two-story Victorian dwelling, now housing the Museum at Portland Head Light.

Notable Events and Stories

Portland Head Light has witnessed numerous shipwrecks, including the wreck of the schooner Annie C. Maguire on Christmas Eve 1886, when Keeper Joshua Strout and his family rescued the crew. The lighthouse also inspired Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a frequent visitor, whose poem “The Lighthouse” is believed to reference Portland Head Light. During World War II, the lighthouse served as a lookout post, with its keeper’s house used by the military to monitor for German U-boats.

Modern Era and Automation

The lighthouse was automated in 1989, ending the era of resident keepers. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the light and fog signal, while the Town of Cape Elizabeth manages the surrounding Fort Williams Park. The keeper’s house was converted into a museum in 1992, operated by the Cape Elizabeth Historical Society, displaying artifacts, lenses, and maritime history. The original second-order Fresnel lens is preserved in the museum. In 1993, Portland Head Light appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, cementing its cultural significance.

Visiting Portland Head Light

Located in Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light is accessible year-round, with no admission fee for the grounds. The park offers picnic areas, walking trails, and views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The museum in the keeper’s house is open from Memorial Day to October 31, with a small admission fee. The tower itself is not open for climbing, but visitors can explore the grounds and enjoy the scenic cliffs. The lighthouse is a popular spot for photography, events, and weddings, and it can be viewed from nearby cruise boats or the Portland-Machias ferry.

Folklore and Cultural Impact

Portland Head Light is steeped in lore, with stories of ghostly apparitions, including a woman in white seen near the keeper’s house and a spectral keeper polishing the lens. Its picturesque setting has made it a favorite subject for artists and photographers, appearing in paintings, films, and media. The lighthouse’s enduring presence symbolizes Maine’s maritime heritage and resilience against the harsh Atlantic elements.

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