Portland Breakwater Light by Greg Marlett

The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, situated at the end of a breakwater that extends 1/2-mile into the Portland Harbor, is one of Maine's most decorative lights. The lighthouse, which is a cylinder surrounded by six fluted columns, is modeled after the Greek Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, built in the fourth century B.C. Some say that Thomas Ustick Walter, who erected the cast-iron dome of the Capitol Building, was involved with the design of the lighthouse.

Early keepers had the tough job of getting to the lighthouse. Because of high winds and stormy weather, sometimes the keeper would have to crawl along the breakwater to reach the light. In 1889 a two-room keeper's house was built; the house was odd-looking because it hung over both sides of the breaker. The house was removed in 1934.

During the second World War the area between the shore and the lighthouse was filled in to create more room for shipbuilding. This makes the light easily accessible today, though the tower itself is not open to the public.

Year Established: 1855

Year Automated: 1934

Shape: Conical, cast-iron with brick lining

Height: 16 ft.

Characteristic: Flashing white light every four seconds.

Accessibility: The light is completely accessible from the public landing off of Pickett St. in South Portland. You can walk around the lighthouse but can't go inside.

Copyright 2007, All rights reserved.

Visiting Burnt Island Light 2008, Boothbay Harbor Maine

A three-hour program is offered in summer Monday through Friday, twice daily at 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

The Novelty, located at Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor, serves as the ferry to the island. (This is through Balmy Day Cruises - see below)

The Burnt Island Living Lighthouse tour is $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
You can call (207) 633-2284 for more information on the tours, which run from mid-July to early September.

Balmy Day Cruises in Boothbay Harbor Offers a ferry service to Burnt Island Lighthouse as follows:

Seasonal Schedule: 2008The Lighthouse Tour Boat Runs:June 30th - August 29th (Monday-Friday)

Daily Schedule: 2008 Location Time Departs Pier 8 on the NOVELTY 1:45 pm Returns to Pier 8 4:45 pm

RatesType RateAdult $22Child (3-11) $12

Reservations please call: (207) 633-2284 or (800) 298-2284-Captain reserves the right to change or cancel any trip-
http://balmydayscruises.com/
*For the venturesome - you can kayak your way out to the island.

Visiting Seguin Island Light 2008, From Bath Maine

ON SHORE OPTIONS...Seguin Island maybe be seen from a number of locations along the coast. At the end of Southport Island, Seguin may be seen at the Town Landing at Newagen at a distance of 6 nautical miles. From Ried State Park in Georgetown, Seguin is 4 nautical miles. The best view of Seguin from the mainland is at Popham Beach State Park. Seguin is at a distance of 2 nautical miles. This is not only the closest place to view the island but, looking at it from this angle, the island is its longest. If you drive a mile past Popham Beach State Park, at the end of the road is Fort Popham, a Civil War fort built to guard the mouth of the river. Seguin is 3 nautical miles in the distance. To the north - upriver- Perkins Island Light can be seen.

Please visit the SEGUIN OFFICE and STORE in Bath, Maine On the Second Floor of 72 Front Street, Suite 3OPEN: Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM.

There are several ways to get to Seguin Island if you wish to take a tour. During the summer, there are resident care takers on the island who can give you a tour. Go to the Seguin Island Web Site for further information and transportation options.
http://www.seguinisland.org/Visit_Seguin.htm
Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine offers a lighthouse lovers cruise which includes Seguin Island:

Lighthouse Lovers Cruise SATURDAYS, 3:30 - 7 PM Members $35/ Non-members $40/ Children 4-12 years $10/Infants $1

See 10 of Maine's finest lighthouses best viewed from a boat! See Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island & Light, Pond Island & Light, Seguin Island & Light, Cuckholds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, and Hendricks Head Light.

Contact Maine Maritime Museum for further info:
http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/about/contact_us.php

Wood Island Light 2008 Tour Schedule from Biddeford Pool Maine

The tour schedule for 2008 is from Saturday July 5th through August 30th.
Tours run on:
Wednesdays 4:30 PM & 5:30 PM Thursdays 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM Saturdays 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM
A tour to Wood Island Lighthouse is run by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The lighthouse is located off the coast of Biddeford Maine and tours leave from Vine's Landing in Biddeford Pool. The guided tour takes about 1 1/2 hours and is subject to Mother Nature and her weather and sea conditions.
You must call 207-286-3229 and make reservations.
Visit the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse Web Site:
http://www.woodislandlighthouse.org/index.html
Note: My wife and I just went on a tour of Wood Island Lighthouse on July 5, 2008. We had a great time, took lots of pictures (alas - no ghosts!). I would highly recommend a visit, the volunteers have done a terrific job in maintaining and restoring this lighthouse and are well informed and gracious tour guides. gmarlett

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.

Ram Island Ledge by Greg Marlett

The Ram Island Ledge lighthouse is surrounded by several dangerous ledges that caused many shipwrecks. There were four shipwrecks alone on May 27, 1866! When the 400-foot transatlantic steamer, California, ran aground the government was finally convinced a lighthouse needed to be there.

The Ram Island Ledge, which sits at the northern entrance to Portland Harbor, was one of the last lighthouses in Maine erected. It is granite tower that is very similar in appearance to the Graves Light in Boston Harbor.

Ram Island Ledge is best seen from Port Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth.

Year Established: 1905

Year Automated: 1959

Shape: Conical

Height: 90 ft.

Characteristic: Two white flashes every six seconds. Fog signal: one blast every 10 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.

Lighthouse Keeper's Rescue by Greg Marlett

The events of March 16, 1865.

Around 1 AM in the morning, Eben Emerson, the lighthouse keeper at Wood Island Light, Maine, left his bed after a sleepless night. There was a raging storm outside and the sound of thundering surf and howling wind filled the air. Emerson always had difficulty sleeping during a storm, but in any case it was time for him to get up and trim the wicks in the lamps at the top of the light tower. Even though the storm and swirling fog was likely to diminish the visibility of the light on this night.

Finishing up his nightly chores, he opened his door to see if the storm was worsening. Above the din of the storm he heard a human voice calling out in the darkness. Eben called back and immediately attempted to launch his wherry into the towering breakers. Unable to launch his boat he went to a neighbor's house on the island, belonging to a fisherman and solicited his assistance. Together they successfully launched the wherry through the surf and fog and headed out to the grounded ship. In danger of being swamped by the huge waves, the two men arrived at the stricken Canadian Brig, which had lodged on Washburn's Ledge. The crew was hanging to the ropes in terror, and after several attempts Eben and his neighbor got close enough to allow Eben to leap onboard the ship. The brig was listing badly, was taking on water, and receiving a terrible pounding from the waves.

Eben quickly mobilized the captain and crew. One of the two life boats had already been launched but had immediately capsized. Working quickly, Eben directed the reluctant crew to climb into the remaining life boat, which was hanging by davits out over the water. As he worked his way back slowly to the ship's rail, he heard screams coming from below deck. He rushed below, to find two terrified, white guinea pigs in the half submerged cabin. Stuffing one in each pocket, we ran back to the deck. After several unsuccessful attempts, Eben's neighbor manning the wherry, was finally able to row close enough to the brig for Eben to leap aboard. The two of them then rowed together next to the life boat which was still hanging off the side of the ship.
They tossed a guide rope to the crew in the lifeboat and had them cut their boat loose at the next extra high sea, which they did. Now successfully launched, and attached by the guide rope to the wherry, both boats rowed back to the island through the maelstrom. As they left the side of the brig and headed back to the safety of the island,they both heard and saw the ship break into to pieces.

The stricken Canadian brig was the "Edyth Ann" out of Nova Scotia. It was bound from Puerto Rico to Portland Maine with a load of sugar and molasses, before running into the storm. The ship and cargo were a total loss, but there were no injuries to the crew, or its pets. For his bravery and heroism, Ebenezer Emerson was awarded a citation and pair of bronze binoculars in a rosewood case by the British Government in Canada

The foregoing account is based on a newspaper article found in the Union and Journal of Biddeford, Maine, March 31, 1865, a copy of which is on file with the Maine State Historical, Portland. Maine.

Lighthouse Keepers Log: Wood Island Light off the coast of Biddeford Pool, Maine
"A few years worth of noteworthy events at the Wood Island Lighthouse ( between 1865-1873)"

3/16/1865, 1:00 AM. Lighthouse keeper Ebenezer Emerson hears cries for help coming from the brig "Edyth Ann" of Nova Scotia, which had run aground on Washburn Ledge in a storm. The ship was loaded with molassas and sugar from Puerto Rico, bound for Portland, Maine. Emerson, with the aid of a neighboring fisherman, made his way out to the ship from Wood Island and rescued the imperiled crew. In June of 1865, Emerson was awarded a citation for heroism from the Canadian (British) Government, for his actions. He also received a pair of brass binoculars in a rosewood case and a plaque.

Local Ship Wrecks in close proximity to Wood Island Light:

1864 - The steamship "Bohemian" bound from Liverpool, England to Portland, Maine, with 218 passengers is wrecked off of Cape Elizabeth in Saco Bay. Unclear if there were any survivors.

1867, September. The American Schooner "Game Cock" holed on a rock and run onto the beach, with a cargo of fish.

1869, October. The "Nellie Grant" runs aground and sinks, off Biddeford Pool.

1869, December, The "Eva" runs aground and is wrecked, off from Old Orchard Beach.

1869. A large storm downs many trees on Wood Island and a subsequent fire takes the rest.

1872, December 24th. The American Schooner, "Smith Tuttle" of Wiscasset Maine runs aground and ashore on Wood Island, with no injuries.

1872, December 24th. The American Schooner "Intrepid" with 15 tons of iron onboard, strikes the outer reef of Wood Island ledge. The captain and crew make it safetly to the lighthouse. The captain's wife has smallpox and is cared for by keeper's family.

1872, December 24th The ship "Virginia" also runs aground on Wood Island ledge, but is able to free itself the same day and makes it to Biddeford Pool safety.

(Authors note: December 24, 1872 must have been stormy, and or foggy)

1873. The Wood Island Light is fitted with a fog-bell tower, with a Stevens striking apparatus and a cast steel bell weighing 1,315 pounds.

Gregory Marlett, Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved

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

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse by Greg Marlett

Located at the entrance to Casco Bay, the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is Maine's first "twin light." Originally the lighthouse had both an East and a West tower, but the West tower was deactivated in 1924 when the Lighthouse Service ruled that all twin lights had to be converted to single beacons.

The two towers were originally built in 1828 of rubblestone, but were rebuilt of cast iron in 1874. The towers and the grounds, which also comprised a gingerbread keeper's house and fog signal building, were frequently painted by Edward Hopper in the 1920s. One of the paintings was even made into a stamp commemorating Maine's 150-year anniversary in 1970!

The residence and grounds of this lighthouse are privately owned by William Kourakos. In 1998, despite protestations by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, the keeper's house was demolished and replaced by a much larger replica and two-car garage. Today, the grounds and residence do not look anything like the image depicted in Hopper's paintings.
The lighthouse can be viewed and photograph from the end of the property's driveway.

Year Established: 1828

Year Automated: 1963

Shape: Conical, attached to entrance room.

Height: 67 ft.

Characteristic: Sequence of four white flashes every 15 seconds. Fog signal: Two blasts every 60 seconds.

Accessibility: At the end of Two Lights Road in the town of Cape Elizabeth, there is a parking lot that allows you to view the tower from a distance. For a better view, park in this lot and walk back down Two Lights Road until you come to Two Lights Terrace. You'll be able to see and photograph the lighthouse from the end of the driveway

Wood Island Light by Greg Marlett

Woods Island Light is a wonderfully romantic lighthouse, especially when viewed in solitude from the Audubon Society preserve on Eastern Point at Biddeford Pool. Here the lighthouse is accompanied by crashing surf, an ocean dotted with islands, and a view of Old Orchard Beach. The tower, which is located on the northeast side of Wood Island Harbor and marks the entrance to the Saco River, can also be seen from the shore of Biddeford Pool and Hills Beach.
Wood Island comprises a 49-foot white conical granite block tower and a one and a half story wooden keeper's house. Both were originally erected in 1808, although the original tower was replaced with another, of the same style, in 1858,

The second oldest lighthouse in Maine, Wood Island Light is not without its stories! Legend says the lighhouse is haunted by a murder victim, and the tower is the location of several dramatic rescues at sea. It is said that it was once inhabited by a dog who rang the fog bell, and in the 1870s was home to a pub and distillery that were burnt by drunken revelers. In the 1940s, during World War II, the light station was visited by a surrendering German submarine!
The lighthouse is reached by boat only. While it is closed to the public, tours can be arranged by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, P.O. Box 26, Biddeford Pool, ME 04006.

Year Established: 1808

Year Automated: 1986

Shape: Conical

Height: 49 ft.

Characteristic: Alternating white and green flashes every ten seconds. Fog signal: two blasts every 30 seconds.

Accessibility: The light is accessible only by boat and is closed to the public, although tours can be arranged through the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. The tower can be viewed along the shore of Biddeford Pool and Hills Beach, as well as from the Audubon Society preserve on East Point at Biddeford Pool.

Author: Greg Marlett, Copyright 2007, All rights reserved

Goat Island Light by Greg Marlett

Goat Island Light is located at the Cape Porpoise Harbor entrance in Kennebunkport. It has the distinction of being Maine's last manned lighthouse, and also served as a guard station for the summer home of the former President George Bush. During his tenure it was not uncommon for helicopters holding dignitaries to land there, and Bush himself would often take a break from his fishing to visit with the keeper!

The 20-foot rubblestone tower and and wooden keeper's cottage were built in 1835; the original tower was taken down in 1860 and replaced with a brick tower in Federal Period architecture. The tower you see today is very plain, short, and free of decoration. Other buildings include a keeper's house built in 1859, a boathouse built in 1905, and an oil house built in 1907.

The island is inhabited by a family during the summer, and a man and his dog live there from October through June. The light is accessible by boat only, and any visitor who can get there is welcome to stop by and take a look around. Tours can also be arranged.

Year Established: 1833

Year Automated: 1990

Shape: Cylindrical

Height: 25 ft.

Characteristic: Flashing white every six seconds. Fog signal: one blast every 15 seconds.

Accessibility: The light is accessible only by boat but can be visited by the public via special arrangement. The best place to view the tower is from the municipal pier at Cape Porpoise, a village in the town of Kennebunkport.

Author Greg Marlett, Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved

Cape Neddick Lighthouse by Greg Marlett

Cape Neddick Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. In fact, when the Voyager II was launched into space in 1977 it took a variety of pictures of the earth's natural features as well as man-made structures, just in case they ran into some extraterrestrials who were interested in learning about life on earth. And guess what was among the photographs? Yes, a picture of the Cape Neddick Lighthouse!

The Cape Neddick Lighthouse, which is also called "Nubble Light," is located on Nubble Island about 200 yards off Cape Neddick Point. Cape Neddick Point is at the north end of Long Beach in the village of York Beach. While this tower is inaccessible it is very easily seen from Sohier Park on the mainland, which makes it easy with telescopes, lots of parking, a welcome center, and a gift shop.

The Cape Neddick Lighthouse, which is lined with brick and sheathed in cast iron, was built in 1879. It is 41 feet tall, and one of its distinguishing features is the walkway railing around the lantern room, which is decorated with brass replicas of the lighthouse. It is rare for lighthouses to have decorations, and the origins of this one are unknown. The original mold, however, was found in a Coast Guard warehouse. The Cape Neddick Lighthouse also has a very sweet keeper's cottage complete with gingerbread trim.

Fun stories about this lighthouse and its inhabitants abound, including one resident, a 19-pound cat, who regularly enjoyed swimming across the channel to socialize with mainland friends!
During the holidays the lighthouse is decorated with small white lights, and a Christmas tree can be seen in the main window facing the park. The lighthouse and keeper's house are also lit for a short period during the summer tourist season.

Year Established: 1879

Year Automated: 1987

Shape: Cylindrical

Height: 41 ft.

Characteristic: A red flash that lasts six seconds, then is off for six seconds. Fog signal: one blast every 10 seconds.

Accessibility: The light is not accessible to the public but can be easily seen from the nearby mainland at Sohier Park in York Beach.

By Greg Marlett http://gregsebo.blogspot.com

Copyright 2007 All rights reserved, no duplication or use without expressed permission of the author.

Boon Island Light by Greg Marlett

At 133 feet, Boon Island's lighthouse is the tallest in Maine. It is also thought to be one of the most isolated and most dangerous. In fact, the island's name is a result of legends and lore. Boon Island is frequently pummeled by deadly storms, and many a ship was wrecked there in bad weather. One legend, which supposedly took place in 1710, has the shipwrecked crew of the Nottingham Galley resorting to cannibalism! As a result locals and mainland fisherman began leaving packages of food and clothing, known as "boon," on the island to be used by shipwreck victims who were able to reach the rocks.

Boon Island is, in reality, a pile of rocks about 400 square feet in size. The first lighthouse to be built there, in 1799, lasted five years in spite of being made of wood. The original light was blown away in a storm and replaced with two more lights before the tower that is there today was built in 1852. The cylindrical tower is made of hand-hewn granite blocks.

Boon Island was not the greatest place to end up if you were a keeper. The isolation, danger, and basic deprivation resulted in quite the high turnover! The final straw occurred during New England's famous Blizzard of 1978. As the entire island was submerged under water and the other structures on the island were destroyed by flying boulders, two keepers retreated to the lantern room until they were rescued by helicopters. Needless to say, the light was automated shortly thereafter!

Boon Island is located six miles off York, and in good weather, because of its height, can be seen all along the southern coast. The best viewing spot is right across from the Cape Neddick Lighthouse, at Sohier Park.

Year Established: 1811

Year Automated: 1980

Shape: Cylindrical

Height: 133 ft.

Characteristic: White flash every five seconds. Fog signal: one blast every 10 seconds.

Accessibility: If you want to view the tower by land, the best place is Sohier Park, right across from the Cape Neddick Lighthouse in York. You can also view the light by boat or by air.

Copyright 2007 All rights reserved. No duplication or publication without expressed permission of author.

Whaleback Light by Greg Marlett

The least glamorous of all the southern coast lighthouses, Whaleback Light is situated on the northeast side of Portsmouth Harbor at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, and is approachable through the town of Kittery. This lonely and somewhat drab looking lighthouse is conical in shape and made of dovetailed granite ashtar. Structurally it resembles England's Eddystone Lighthouse. It stands 50 feet tall and has a black cast-iron lantern.

However, Whaleback light has had its share of controversy. Because of its location New Hampshire and Maine had a decades-long dispute about which state the light really belonged to. The U.S. Coast Guard settled the dispute when they decided that the rocks the lighthouse sits on are in Maine waters.

This lighthouse had a rough start, and because of its history of structural deficiencies it's amazing that the light is still operational today. It was initially erected in 1820, but a rough winter with many harsh storms immediately damaged the lighthouse beyond repair. A second lighthouse—the one you see today—was built on the site in 1831. This time, however, the tower's foundation was not bolted to the bedrock. These construction issues were eventually addressed and improved upon. The lighthouse, still wobbly, somehow managed to stand for 40 years! In 1872 more improvements were made, specifically the bottom of the old structure and base of today's 75-foot tower were combined, and this time someone remembered to bolt the whole thing to the bedrock!

Year Established: 1820
Year Automated: 1963
Shape: Conical
Height: 50 ft.

Characteristic: Two white flashes every 10 seconds. Fog signal: Two blasts every 30 seconds. Interesting note: In 1991 the Coast Guard lowered the volume of the fog signal because the vibrations were damaging the lighthouses's walls.

Accessibility: The light is accessible only by boat and is closed to the public. The best places to view it are Fort McClary State Historic Site and Fort Foster in Kittery off of 103. It can also be viewed from Fort Constitution and New Castle Island Park in New Castle, NH.

Author: Greg Marlett, please visit http://gregsebo.blogspot.com for further Maine lighthouse and Maine tourism information.

Copyright 2007, all rights reserved. No copying, publication or duplication without the expressed permission of the author.

Introduction to Maine Lighthouses by Greg Marlett

There is something intriguing about lighthouses. They are starkly beautiful, set in rugged, isolated areas where they rise up out of the ocean showing the way for lost or storm-tossed vessels. Since the Pharos Tower in Alexandria, Egypt, guided Mediterranean sailors in 280 B.C., lighthouses have represented a welcoming beacon that have brought sailors home from the sea.

There are 54 operating lighthouses left along the coast of Maine, most of them built in the 19th century. Each one has a long and storied history. Some of them are known for the wrecks that washed up along their shores, others for the ghosts that haunt their towers. Others are known for the keepers who gave up normal lives for themselves and their families to keep the lights running.

When lighthouses became automated in the 20th century the keepers left their posts. Many of the stations fell into disrepair, and some buildings were removed or razed to conserve maintenance costs. And perhaps this is another reason why lighthouses are so interesting. They are the last remaining vestiges of a way of life that no longer exists.

There's nothing like viewing a light in person to get a feel for its personality. While this guide will give you an overview of all 54 operating lights, we encourage you to get out there and see these lights for yourself. While few of the actual towers are accessible, there are many light stations that allow visitors on the grounds. Those that do not have accessible grounds can often be seen by tour boat or from the mainland.

By Greg Marlett, Copyright 2007, All rights reserved.

Looking for firsthand lighthouse keeper stories and experiences. Your Help Needed. Greg Marlett

Please Help:

I'm currently looking for some firsthand accounts, stories and experiences concerning lighthouse keepers in the Maine and New England area, to use for publication in this Blog.

I know from past communications that there are Coast Guard veterans and others out there, with some interesting stories to tell. Here's your chance to share those experiences with many interested readers.

Please contact me by posting a response to this post, or by email at g_marlett@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

The hard work and challenges faced by these dedicated lighthouse keepers need to be told before they are totally lost to history.

Thanks,
Greg

A Sea Gull's' Lament By g. marlett

Circling sea gulls sweep above
the sun-baked summer sand,
While rhythmic pounding surf revives
it's measured cadenced hand.

Above on rocky shoreline point
among the spruce and pine,
The stalwart lighthouse stands aloof
awaiting darker times.

A shaft of light probes hopefully
saluting home and hearth,
Guiding tired mariners
towards safer shores at dark.

Another day fades sluggishly
the humid shoreline sighs,
Along the beach the breakers beat
their rhythmic sad reprise.

As nighthawks replace sea gulls
and creeping darkness falls,
A lonely gull cries mournfully
against the gathering pall.

The lighthouse beams brightly
a summer day is done,
The quiet of the moon lit bay,
replaces summer sun.

Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved. No publishing or reprinting without the expressed permission of the author.

History of Maine by Sunil Tanna

Before the arrival of Europeans, Maine was inhabited by Algonquian-speaking Native American peoples including the Wabanaki, Passamaquoddy and Penobscots.

The area was settled by both French and English settlers in the early 17th century, the French arriving in 1604, and the English in 1607. The province became part of the English Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1652, but nevertheless was the scene of several battles between the English and French over control the territory.

The territory was also fought over by the American and British forces during both the American Revolution (1775 to 1783) and the War of 1812. In fact, the border between Maine and British North America (which later to become Canada) was not finalized until the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842.

Although politically part of Massachusetts, Maine was physically separated from the rest of the state. As a result, the idea arose that Maine ought to be admitted to the Union as a separate state. This idea was politically convienent, as the Missouri Compromise required that slave and free states be admitted to the Union in equal numbers - and thus Maine was admitted to the Union on March 15th 1820.

In the late 19th century, Maine began to industrialize with the establishment of many textile mills. This was supplemented by the growth of a ship building industry (which was to contribute significantly to the US war effort in World War II).

Post war, some of Maine's traditional industries have gone into decline. The state's economy has however diversified into new fields, including telemarketing and tourism. Today Maine has an economy based on a mix of seafood (particularly lobsters), agricultural produce and industrial products. Maine is also an important transportation hub, with Portland being New England's busiest port.

First published at http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_maine_history.php

For more information about Maine, please visit http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_maine.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Tanna http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-Maine&id=696534

Discover The Bright Lights Of A Lighthouse Vacation by Russ Pooley

If you want panoramic views, the ultimate in luxury and something a little bit different then a lighthouse vacation is the holiday for you.

Most lighthouses are situated in remote areas offering visitors the ultimate getaway. However, if you’re not one for being away from it all there are several lighthouses available to rent that are just short walks from the city centre. Harlington Lighthouse in Holland for example looks down on the city and docks directly below.

Inside, lighthouses are surprisingly spacious; however, some of the steps and ladders are steep so it is best to travel light! Hauling three suitcases of clothes and two holdalls of shoes up a tiny ladder will not be your idea of a holiday!

If you’re worried that the lighthouse you stay in may be a little dated then worry not. All lighthouses that are used as hotels or bed and breakfasts are beautifully restored although most try to retain some of the original nautical features too.

Lighthouse hotels are a favourite with newlyweds and are popular honeymoon locations. Not surprising really when you consider the attributes - miles away from anyone else, cosy rooms with luxury furniture and stunning views.

If you’re looking for a holiday that has that little something extra and want accommodation that is both cosy and cool, romantic and different then a lighthouse vacation is ideal and with many providers with lighthouses all over Europe and the US, you’re spoilt for choice.
Russ Pooley writes for Drake & Cavendish who provide a luxury hotel research directory featuring over 5,000 luxury hotels in over 700 resort locations around the world. As a content provider we are committed to developing entertaining and informative travel related information.

You can read further articles and details at http://www.drakeandcavendish.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Pooley http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-The-Bright-Lights-Of-A-Lighthouse-Vacation&id=522685

Kittery Maine Bed and Breakfasts by Kevin Stith

The Southern Maine Coast is blessed with miles of sandy beaches, with rocks, ledges and cliffs dotted with the occasional lighthouse. The lure of Kittery lies not only in the sun and sand but also the excellent dining and seafood shacks, fine antique shops and factory outlets.
Not far from Kittery is the Old York Village Historic District where you can engross yourself in Colonial History. A day at Willowbrook will give you a feel of 19th century village life. The region has several forts and museums that are worth a visit. If you need a break from shopping at all the antique stores and have had enough of history, it's time for some family fun at York's Wild Kingdom or one of Saco's water parks.

Also delightful and bountiful are the region's environment sanctuaries. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is spread out over 10 coastal sites. The East Point Sanctuary, a Maine Audubon preserve in Biddeford has a number of avid bird watchers flocking to it every year.
There are a wide range of accommodation options such as hotels, motels, inns etc but the most popular in this region seem to be the Bed and Breakfasts(B&Bs). B&Bs were conventionally private homes which took in guests, with breakfast included in the cost of the lodging. B&Bs can vary from unpretentious homes with a spare room to ornate historic houses that have been restored. In Travel the term B&B is increasingly used to illustrate any lodging arrangement that includes breakfast, even in a hotel.

Kittery Maine has many B&Bs to suit every taste and economic range and with the number of options abounding it is indeed a task to choose one.

The Southern Maine Coast has several attractions and for "shopaholics" and bargain hunters, Kittery is a dream come true with more than 125 factory outlet stores. [http://www.e-mainebedandbreakfast.com]Maine Bed And Breakfast provides detailed information on Bar Harbor Maine Bed And Breakfast, Freeport Maine Bed And Breakfast, Kennebunkport Maine Bed And Breakfast, Maine Bed And Breakfast and more. Maine Bed And Breakfast is affiliated with http://www.z-Maine.com Maine Real Estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith http://EzineArticles.com/?Kittery-Maine-Bed-and-Breakfasts&id=411082