This is the Portland Head Lighthouse located at the entrance to the Portland harbor. Portland is about 2 hours north of Boston and about 2 hours south-west of where we stayed in Tenants Harbor. This light was built on order of George Washington in 1791. This is Maine's oldest lighthouse and boasts a combination of historic significance, beauty and location making it possibly the most visited, photographed and painted lighthouse in the United States. Construction began in 1787 while Maine was still a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Federal government took over management of the house in 1789 and completed construction of the 80 foot tower in 1791. The light was automated in 1989
Back to Lighthouse Home
Copyright 2000-2006 James Jegers
Site design and creation by James Jegers