Maine Lighthouses 4

Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light

 
Bruce and I could see this lighthouse from the harbor at East Promenade Park in Portland.  We also saw the Spring Point Ledge Light and the abandoned Fort Gorges on Hog Island Ledge.  These will be covered in the next few blogs.

A 2,500 breakwater and lighthouse on the south side of the entrance to Portland Harbor was begun in 1836, but not completed until 1855.  In the early 1870"s the breakwater was extended approximately 200 feet and a new lighthouse was built at the end.  

Known locally as "Bug" light, the new lighthouse included Greek architectural elements.  The design of the cast iron tower is petite, with Corinthian columns created to resemble a 4th century, B.C. Greek monument.  A wooden keeper's house was built adjacent to the lighthouse in 1889.

In 1934 the light was electrified, the keeper's house removed and the light tended by the the keeper at Spring Point Ledge Light.  As shipyards expanded into the harbor to accommodate World War II shipbuilding, the breakwater was progressively shortened until the lighthouse stood only 100 feet from shore, making it obsolete.  The light was extinguished in 1942, declared surplus property soon after, and sold to the city of Portland.

In 1989, after standing unattended for a long time, repairs and restoration were completed and the light is now a favorite spot for visitors.