Spring Point Ledge, Light by Greg Marlett

Located on the west side of Portland Harbor, Spring Point Ledge was built in 1897 after several ships had struck the dangerous ledge there that is now covered by a breakwater.
The lighthouse is built in a "spark plug" style on a cylindrical cast-iron caisson. And although it is typical of other caisson lighthouses, it is also unique in many respects. First of all, the tower is built of brick, not of cast-iron. Also the first floor, which is used as a cellar, is actually within the cast iron caisson below the veranda. This is why the tower appears shorter than other towers. In fact, it stands higher than average, and has a focal plane of 54 feet.

Spring Point Ledge is also one of the few caisson lighthouses that are not completely surrounded by water. Thanks to a breakwater built in 1951, it is possible to walk around the light.

The lighthouse was designed so that a male keeper and his assistant would live right inside the tower. It was lonely, isolating work, and keepers had to get very creative when it came to exercise. A favorite pastime was jogging around the main deck; it was said that 56 times around equaled a mile!

The tower is accessible to visitors, although as a rule you are not allowed inside the lighthouse. Several open houses are held each summer that allow tourists to go inside.

Year Established: 1897

Year Automated: 1935

Shape: Conical "spark plug."

Height: 54 ft.

Characteristic: Flashing white every six seconds with two red sectors. Fog signal: One blast every 10 seconds.

Accessibility: The breakwater is accessible, and there is parking nearby, at the end of Fort Road in South Portland. The tower itself is closed to the public, except during open houses and special events. For tour information contact http://www.springpointlight.org/.

Copyright 2007 All rights reserved.