To celebrate National Lighthouse Day, we are sharing some illuminating facts about Maine lighthouses. Asa and I have visited quite a few lighthouses in our travels around Maine, and these are just a few of our favorites. Please click on the highlighted name for more information on how you can also visit these places to celebrate National Lighthouse Day.
Portland Head Light, in Cape Elizabeth, is the oldest in the state, commissioned by George Washington in 1787 and completed in 1791. Today it is one of the most visited lighthouses in Maine.
Quoddy Head Light in Lubec Maine is the first in the state and country to greet the day, located at the eastern most point in the United States.
Bug Light in South Portland is one of Maine’s most elegant lighthouses with its unique Greek inspired design, but it received its nickname because of its small size.
It was the smallest resident at Owls Head Light near Camden who helped to save a ship by alerting the lighthouse keeper during a snowstorm. Spot the Lighthouse Dog’s grave can still be seen at the foot of the lighthouse. Please note, although he lived there, this part of the park is NOT dog friendly. We received special permission to pay tribute.
Huey Lewis once sang “It’s hip to be square.” I wonder if he had Fort Point Lighthouse in Stockton Springs in mind, with its unique square shape.
You can sound “wicked smart” when you tell folks that Spring Point Ledge located on the campus of Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, is the only caisson-style light station in the United States that visitors can walk to via a breakwater.
