Today, March 15, 2022, marks the 202nd anniversary of Maine becoming the 23rd state in the United States. Although the history of Maine goes back much farther than 200 years, it wasn’t until March 15, 1820 that it seceded from Massachusetts to become its own state. At that time the legislators chose the state motto to be “Dirigo,” which translates from Latin to “I lead” or “I direct.” Well what better way to direct you around our favorite state than by sharing some fun facts about Maine lighthouses, which have been guiding the way for centuries!
Portland Head Light, in Cape Elizabeth, is the oldest in the state, commissioned by George Washington in 1787 and completed in 1791.
Now some will argue that Portland Head Light is the most photographed lighthouse in Maine, but others will say that Nubble Light, in York, is the most well-known.
Marshall Point Lighthouse, in Port Clyde, is also recognizable because it received a lot of attention when Forest Gump’s cross country run led him all the way to it, before he decided to head home.
However, if Forest Gump truly wanted to go across the entire country, he should have continued running to West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, which stands at the eastern most peninsula of the United States in Lubec.
Many of Maine’s lighthouses are easily accessible by land. But others, such as Whaleback Light in Kittery, can only be admired from afar.
Not all of Maine’s Lighthouses are dog friendly. But some, such as Owls Head Light, which is near Camden, did have pups who called it home. Spot’s grave can still be seen at this historic site.
These are just a few of the 65 lighthouses in the state of Maine. To find a complete list visit Lighthouses in Maine, and to find out which ones we have visited go to our Dog Friendly Places reviews.
