Lighthouses have a special place in Maine’s heart. They have not only served mariners for centuries, but they are also a beautiful addition to the landscape. These iconic Maine landmarks are a must-see when visiting the state. They are part of the coastal culture that makes Maine a great place to visit and explore.
One of the best ways to experience a lighthouse is to visit during a sunrise or sunset. For the most dramatic photos, bring a tripod so you can capture multiple exposures. This allows you to create the perfect image with light rays streaming through the window or reflecting off the ocean’s surface.
When glaciers carved out the Maine coastline, it created a tangled web of passages, points, bays, inlets, coves, cliffs, and hundreds of tiny islands randomly scattered throughout the waters. This made safe passage for captains and crews challenging. Lighthouses were built to help guide ships safely through the rocky shoreline.
The earliest lighthouses in the United States were simple structures. However, they soon became more sophisticated as technology advanced. In the 1700s, businessmen in Portland asked the Massachusetts government for a lighthouse to be placed at the mouth of the harbor. Construction began in 1787, but was halted shortly thereafter due to lack of funding.
Among the most famous and picturesque lighthouses in Maine is Portland Head Light, located on Cape Elizabeth. The lighthouse tower and keeper’s dwelling were constructed in 1816. It is believed that the lighthouse’s design was influenced by Alexander Parris, who was a civilian engineer who designed several lighthouses in Maine including Matinicus Rock Light (1838), Saddleback Ledge Light (1841), and York Ledge Beacon (1852). The lighthouse is one of only four built with granite. This is the only Portland-area lighthouse where you can step inside on a regular basis. It is most often visited during the annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September.