Behold the Beauty of
Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is located in the town of Cape Elizabeth Maine, and is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the country.
One visit to this picturesque lighthouse and you will surely see why. The magnificent 80 foot structure towering high above the ocean, coupled with its surrounding landscape, creates a vision of beauty.
Inspired by its beauty Henry Wadworth Longfellow wrote his poem “The Lighthouse” about Portland Head:
"The rocky ledge runs far out into the sea
And on its outer point, some miles away,
The lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day."
Portland Head lighthouse was first lit on January 10, 1791. And is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Its beacon still shines bright today, but is no longer lit with the 16 whale oil lamps it used in its earlier days, and became automated 1989.
The Keeper’s house has been transformed into a museum. Most of it is consists of reading about history, so if you bring young children to the museum, you may find it difficult to keep them interested in it.
There’s also a small gift shop on the property, filled with lighthouse and Maine related gifts.
Portland Head is situated on the shores of Fort Williams Park, a 90 acre recreational area, and the remains of a military fort, where you can get awesome views.
It’s not uncommon to see visitors come to picnic, hike, enjoy the playing fields and tennis courts, relax on the beach or simply take in the unlimited ocean views.
In the winter Fort Williams is ideal for cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating on the pond.
Portland Head is an ideal stop on your coastal trip, and a definite must see when you are in southern Maine.
Depart Portland Head Light back to Lighthouse
Return to New England vacations homepage
|
