Portland Head Light

History of Portland Head Light

Commissioned by George Washington in 1787, this lighthouse project received $750 from the General Court of Massachusetts when Maine was still a part of Massachusetts. When the U.S. government took control in 1790, an additional $1,500 was allocated for its completion. The lighthouse, located at the entrance for ships at Portland Harbor, was first lit in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

Location and Function

Situated about five miles southeast of Portland in Cape Elizabeth's Fort Williams Park, the tower provided navigation to ships for almost 200 years. It was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1989 when it became an automated tower.

Visiting Portland Head Light

Although the lighthouse itself is closed to the public except for one day each year – Maine Open Lighthouse Day in early September – visitors can tour the exterior and visit the lighthouse museum. The museum is located in the former keepers' house and offers insights into the history of the lighthouse through artifacts, documents, and photographs. After the museum tour, visitors can stop by the gift shop to browse for souvenirs. Some visitors are content with simply enjoying the breathtaking and postcard-worthy views of Portland Head Light, while others appreciate the historical displays and reasonable entrance fee at the small museum.

Hours

The museum and gift shop are open seasonally from Memorial Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. During this period, they are accessible daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets

Admission to the museum costs $2 for adults and $1 for children aged 6 to 18. Children 5 and younger can enter for free.

For more information, visit the website of Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park.