Bug Light Lighthouse

Bug light has marked the entrance to portland harbor for the past 145 years and its solar powered light can still be seen by mariners miles out to sea.

Bug light lighthouse. It continues to be cared for and. Just one year after the lighthouse was completed for 17 000 a stone foundation made of riprap was added at an additional cost of 20 000 nearly 400 000 today to help protect against the harsh northeast winters. We visited in february 2020 and the little bug lighthouse looked beautiful as part of the wintry vista. The much photographed replacement lighthouse a near replica of the original bug light was built on land in the greenport yacht and shipbuilding.

The lighthouse is not open to the public but the grounds are always open. This lighthouse is about 1 2 mile from spring point light. The new lighthouse was made of curved cast iron plates whose seams are. It certainly is well worth a visit if in portland.

Gurnet light was first built in 1768 and in 1790 became home to the first woman lighthouse keeper. Some will pass by portland breakwater bug lighthouse during specific lighthouse tours narrated wildlife and historic tours sailing charters fishing tours and other types of excursions. Bug light was the first cast iron caisson style lighthouse built in the united states. It was launched down the yard s railway in several pieces on september 5 1990 accompanied by a navy band and 40 millimeter 21 gun salute.

To reach bug light park follow broadway in south portland to its northern end. Photo courtesy of bob allen. Its role as a marker of the end of the rocky breakwater shielding portland harbor began in 1855. Its light stands 35 above high tide.

Bug light park the eastern terminus of the greenbelt walkway offers expansive views of portland harbor and the skyline of maine s largest city. To enter people must have the approval of project gurnet bug lights inc or the us coast guard. The 8 78 acre park was the site of major shipbuilding activity during wwii. Bug light before the concrete foundation was added.

Portland breakwater light sometimes referred to a bug light park lighthouse stands as a living history. When you reach the stop sign in front of the spring point marina turn left. The lighthouse contains four levels that include living quarters sleeping quarters a watchroom and a lantern room. Bug light park home to portland breakwater lighthouse and the liberty ship memorial.

In 1875 it was replaced and at only 26 feet tall it is known for its diminutive size and its elegance. Boat cruises mentioned below may offer many types of cruises. The lighthouse was first built in 1855 as a wooden structure but the breakwater was extended and a new lighthouse was constructed at the end of it in 1875.