Portland Head Light standing firmly on rocky Maine shore
Although we’d seen Portland Head Light once before, we looked forward to visiting what we think of as the granddaddy of lighthouses along the Maine coast. Of course, that’s not accurate — just our impression. After purchasing a book called The Islandport Guide to Lighthouses in Maine by Ted Panayotoff (sold in the Portland Museum of Art gift shop), we read accounts of 64 lighthouses and found that most aren’t visible from shore. So, to us, Portland Head is not only stately, but, with its commanding presence and height, is also the grandest in Acadia.
View from the walkway: Portland Head Light, Portland, ME
Just so you’ll know:
- Location: in Fort Williams State Park on Shore Road just a couple of miles from Portland
- Completed: 1790
- First lighthouse keeper: Joseph Greenleaf, appointed by President George Washington
- Tower: about 80 feet tall
- Automation: 1989 — the end of an era when the last of the third generation Strout lighthouse keepers who had served for 59 years left the lighthouse
- Museum: The town of Cape Elizabeth leased light station from Coast Guard and opened a museum in the keeper’s quarters in 1990.
- Open — grounds and museum are open in season; lighthouse is accessible only for Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September
The simple, elegant tower is appealing to all . . .
Simply white: Portland Head Light
as are the green signature color and red roofs on the museum.
Shopkeeper’s quarters turned museum at Portland Head Light
And the view from the side is the best introduction you’ll get of the rocky Maine coast.
Classic view of the Maine coast from Portland Head Light
Definitely worth a visit: Portland Head Light.
Gardener's Cottage Acadia
Was the Bite Into Maine lobster roll truck there? Love love love.
Oh, the Places We See
No Bite Into Maine truck this trip. But now, you’ve got my curiosity aroused. Hope I can get back and enjoy whatever they serve. (I’m guessing seafood, right?)
Gardener's Cottage Acadia
Usually lobster rolls several ways plus a vegetarian sandwich. Seriously good!
gallivance.net
Rusha, anytime I visit a lighthouse I can’t help but think what a lonely life it must have been for the keeper and his family. They’re always surrounded by beach houses today, but when many of them were built they were in the boonies. I’m sure there must be lots of lighthouse, gone-crazy/murder books out there. ~ James
Oh, the Places We See
We think about being lighthouse keepers every now and then, and then we dismiss the idea quickly. Not sure we have the constitution for it. And would probably be busy reading or taking pictures and forget to check the statistics required of lighthouse keepers. So, I guess we’ll just have to be tourists. Good to hear from you.
Curt Mekemson
A magnificent light house with a great setting. Good photos. Thanks Rusha. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Curt. I’m having fun with my camera during this fall journey!
Curt Mekemson
It’s a great place to have fun! 🙂
kzmcb
I do like a good lighthouse! Pleasantly situated, as well.
Oh, the Places We See
I’ve been reading a lot about lighthouses this trip. Can’t believe you have to be in a boat to see most of them. No wonder I had no idea there were so many!
Tvor
We visited there a couple of years ago on a beautiful morning. Views were indeed spectacular
Oh, the Places We See
I agree — spectacular. It’s the scope of the land around it (well-preserved, I might add) that adds to the majesty! Loved being there.
grammywritesblog
Beautiful photos!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! What a pleasure it was to start snapping away in Maine with this as my first real “site”!
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Definitely worth a visit. 🙂 You can get up close and personal. We’ve enjoyed many a lovely picnic in the area.
Oh, the Places We See
A picnic would have been nice. I keep forgetting to pack picnics, but there are tables along the highways and plenty of park opportunities for eating outside. Thanks for the reminder!