The lighthouse's original lighting system used 16 whale oil lamps.
It was the first lighthouse completed by the United States government after the country's independence.
The current structure has been automated since 1989.
The lighthouse tower was reconstructed to its present height in 1865.
The 1891 keeper’s house was expanded in 1913 to accommodate a second family.
The Fresnel lens currently on display in the museum is a second-order Fresnel lens formerly used in the tower.
The light station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
The site was historically part of the massive 90-acre Fort Williams military installation.
Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse commissioned by George Washington in 1787 and completed in 1791. Located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, it serves as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. The site features a former keeper’s house converted into a maritime museum managed by the town of Cape Elizabeth. The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid for vessels entering Portland Harbor, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The structure is constructed primarily of rubblestone and stands 80 feet above the mean high water level. Visitors can access the grounds of the surrounding park, which includes historic military ruins and coastal walking paths. The tower itself is generally closed to the public, though the museum preserves the history of the light station and its keepers. Its proximity to the rugged, rocky coastline of Casco Bay provides a significant vantage point for maritime observation.
From the cliff path leading north toward the park's beach, capturing the lighthouse with the rocky coastline in the foreground.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven, rocky terrain surrounding the cliffside.
Bring layers, as the Atlantic ocean breeze keeps temperatures significantly cooler than inland areas.
Use the designated walking trails to avoid trampling sensitive coastal vegetation.
Do not wander off marked trails, as the cliff edges are unstable and prone to erosion.
The museum and gift shop operate on a seasonal schedule, typically closing for the winter months.
Stay behind safety railings; do not climb on the rocky cliffs or attempt to enter the fenced-off lighthouse tower base.
