Built under the orders of George Washington, the Portland Head Light is one of four remaining lighthouses authorized by the first president. Set high on a rock promontory jutting out into Casco Bay, it is used by mariners for guidance to this day. The tower is constructed of stone rubble from its base to a stone ledge. The top section of the tower above the ledge is made of brick. In addition to the light tower, the site also contains the keepers' quarters (1891), whistle house (rebuilt in 1975), paint locker, and garage. The tower room and whistle house are constructed of stone and brick. The keeper's quarters is a wood frame building clad in clapboards and wood shingles. The tower was built by local masons John Nichols and Jonathan Bryant. The original structure was 72' tall. In 1813 20' was removed from the tower, followed by an additional 21' in 1883 after the construction of Halfway Rock Light. The height was restored in 1885 utilizing brick after complaints from mariners. The light is now automated and maintained by the United Stated Coast Guard. The building's are owned by the Town of Cape Elizabeth and the keepers' house has been converted to a museum that is open to the public seasonally.
Listed: 1973
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=237238ad-625a-42b7-bb4d-78f9dbcec305