Portland Head Light

“Cape Elizabeth, Maine”

Built: 1791
Automated: 1989

“This 80 foot tall, conical rubblestone tower was the first lighthouse built in Maine. It was the thirteenth lighthouse built on the Atlantic Coast. It is situated at the south entrance to Portland Harbor, adjacent to Fort Williams State Park. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and picturesque lighthouse in Maine, it is one of the most photographed lights in the United States. The light has undergone numberous changes over the years, with the lamp/lens being changed eight times and the height of the tower modified three times. It has housed both a second order and a fourth order Fresnel lens. The station is currently owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth and the Museum at Portland Head Light has been located in the former keeper’s house since 1992. (Photo 1986, Maiden Journey)”

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Lighthouses: A Photographic Journey
Conceived and Developed by David S. Carter
Photographs by Donald W. Carter
Text by Diana K. Carter, Donald W. Carter & David S. Carter

Copyright © 1995-2006 David S. Carter, Donald W. Carter, & Diana K. Carter. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, physical or electronic, in part or in full, without the express permission of the authors, is strictly prohibited.