Portland Head by Greg Marlett

Portland Head is Maine's oldest light, and one of its most beautiful and frequently photographed. The area where it sits has been important to the protection of the Portland area since the 18th century. In fact, in 1776 residents of Cape Elizabeth posted guards at Portland Head to warn residents of possible British attacks.

The original tower, which was first lit on January 10, 1791, was illuminated with 16 whale oil lanterns. The tower was eventually lit with a Fresnel lens, and in 1865 the tower was raised 20 feet. There was also a keeper's house erected in 1790. In 1816 the keeper's quarters was remodeled to include two rooms, a cellar, and a porch. The two-story duplex you see today was constructed in 1891, and served as residence to the keeper and assistant keeper and their families until 1989. Since this Victorian residence was built in 1891, the lighthouse station has changed very little.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a frequent visitor to this lighthouse, and it is said that his poem, "The Lighthouse," is a tribute to the time he spent there. In fact there were many visitors to this lighthouse throughout the years, so many that duty here was considered the most desirable for keepers. There were few solitary moments and a steady stream of tourists. In fact, legend has it that in the 1950s a woman walked in the keeper's house, sat at the table, and demanded service from the keeper's wife, who she considered a government employee!

The Strout family were keepers here for 59 years, and apparently they had a parrot named Bill who lived for 80 years—and decided when it was time to blow the fog signal! The Strouts were in residence in 1888 when the Annie C. Maguire was shipwrecked when it struck the ledge of Portland Head. The captain and crew were successfully rescued, and the rescue is commemorated by letters painted in black on the seawall below the lighthouse. It is ironic that the ship's owners were in trouble and the Portland police had asked the Strouts to be on the lookout for them!

The best place to view Portland Head from Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. There are also a museum and gift shop at Portland Head Light.

Year Established: 1791

Year Automated: 1989

Shape: Conical stone with brick lining

Height: 80 ft.

Characteristic: Flashing white every four seconds. Fog signal: one blast every 15 seconds.
Accessibility: The light can be seen from many areas with Fort Williams Park. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and there is no admission fee. A museum and gift shop are also there for visitors to enjoy.

Copyright 2007, All Rights reserved