## Portland Head Light: An Architectural Masterpiece
Nestled on the rugged coast of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Portland Head Light stands as a beacon of maritime heritage and architectural grandeur. This iconic lighthouse has guided mariners for over 200 years, witnessing countless tales of seafaring adventure and triumph. Its distinctive silhouette, perched atop a granite headland overlooking Casco Bay, has become a beloved symbol of the region.
### Historical Origins
The need for a lighthouse at Portland Head was first recognized in the early 1700s, as shipping traffic increased along the coast of Maine. In 1790, the United States Lighthouse Service was established, and soon after, plans were drawn up for the construction of a lighthouse at Portland Head.
### Design and Construction
The design of Portland Head Light was entrusted to Alexander Parris, a renowned architect from Massachusetts. Parris’s vision for the lighthouse was inspired by the classical architectural style popular in the early 19th century. He envisioned a sturdy and elegant structure that would withstand the harsh coastal environment and serve as a prominent landmark.
Construction of the lighthouse began in 1808 and was completed in 1814. The structure consists of a large cylindrical tower made of granite blocks quarried from nearby islands. The tower is topped by a lantern room, which originally housed the lighthouse’s oil lamp and reflectors.
### Architectural Features
**Tower:**
* Height: 80 feet
* Diameter: 25 feet
* Construction: Granite blocks
* Walls: 7 feet thick at the base, tapering to 3 feet at the top
**Lantern Room:**
* Height: 15 feet
* Diameter: 12 feet
* Construction: Iron
* Windows: 24, providing 360-degree visibility
### Lighting System
Portland Head Light’s original lighting system consisted of an oil lamp with 15 wicks, producing a bright beam that could be seen for miles. In 1855, the lighthouse was upgraded to a third-order Fresnel lens, which significantly improved the light’s intensity and visibility.
### Keepers and Operations
Over the centuries, Portland Head Light has been manned by a succession of keepers, who were responsible for maintaining the lighthouse and its light. The keepers lived in a small keeper’s house adjacent to the tower, and they performed a variety of tasks, including:
* Trimming the lamp and cleaning the lens
* Monitoring the weather and reporting conditions
* Assisting ships in distress
* Raising and lowering flags to signal communication
### Cultural Significance
Portland Head Light has become an iconic symbol of Maine and the United States maritime heritage. It has been featured in numerous works of art, literature, and music. The lighthouse is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its beauty and explore its historical significance.
### Preservation and Restoration
Portland Head Light has undergone several restoration projects over the years to preserve its architectural integrity and ensure its continued operation. In 1908, the tower was strengthened with steel bands to prevent cracking. In 1989, a major restoration project was completed, which included repairing the granite walls, replacing the lantern room, and installing a new lighting system.
Today, Portland Head Light remains an active aid to navigation, automated and controlled remotely. It continues to flash its beacon every 10 seconds, guiding ships safely into Casco Bay.
### List of Keepers
The following is a list of some of the keepers who have served at Portland Head Light:
1. John Strout (1814-1826)
2. William Rogers (1826-1836)
3. Joseph Libby (1836-1851)
4. Henry Dearborn (1851-1856)
5. John Atkins (1856-1863)
6. James G. Tibbetts (1863-1882)
7. Joseph Young (1882-1898)
8. William Smith (1898-1918)
9. John H. Sands (1918-1925)
10. William H. Gray (1925-1948)
