Beacon on the Shore

Portland Head Light, Maine What began as tended fires that illuminated the shores of ancient Egypt in 625 B.C. would eventually lead to today's "lighthouses." As vital landmarks throughout the decades, mariners have relied upon lighthouses, each with their own distinctive pattern of light, as points of reference from which to navigate or seek safe harbor. This particular lighthouse, at Portland Head on the northeast coast of Cape Elizabeth, was the very first head light built by the United States government. In 1787, before the federal government was even formed, George Washington appointed two masons to oversee the construction of this lighthouse. The initial appropriation was $750.00. Using whale oil lamps, this light went into service on January 10, 1791. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the Portland Head Light is still in service with its current high tech beacon visible from 24 miles away.