The Most-Photographed Lighthouse In The Country Is Right Here On The Maine Coast
By Michelle|Updated on February 20, 2024(Originally published April 29, 2020)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
If you’ve spent even a small amount of time in Maine you know that there’s something beautiful at every turn. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see tourists and even locals with a camera or phone in hand ready to capture the beauty that surrounds them. While we love our Maine photos and we think just about everything is worth capturing, there’s one place that stands out. Considered the most photographed lighthouse in the state and one of the most photogenic in the country, this place is worth a visit!
Welcome to Portland Headlight, located on the stunning coast of Cape Elizabeth!
This lighthouse has become the unequivocal symbol of Maine. You will see it on posters, magazines, websites, and so much more that if you live here you might not even notice just how many times a photo of this iconic light there really are.
If you've spent time in southern Maine (or even further north! We are looking at you beautiful Quoddy Head.) there's a good chance you've been here. And for good reason. It's gorgeous! But, did you know that just about everyone in the country agrees?
With the striking white paint and black top, it is the perfect focal piece in a picture of the great Atlantic or the rocky shoreline of Maine.
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But more than just beauty, the light has an interesting history beginning back in 1776. With a deep desire for independence, the folks living in Cape Elizabeth posted eight soldiers in this spot. Their job was to warn locals of oncoming attacks by the British.
In 1787, Massachusetts provided $750 to begin construction of a lighthouse. Later, the U.S. government took responsibility for the country's lights and offered another $1,500 to get the job done. It was lit for the first time in 1791.
Some lighthouses you can only see from a distance but here you can walk right up to this towering signal and witness the sheer size. One of our favorite things to do while visiting is to walk right up next to it stand with our feet touching it and look straight up. You will see then just how big this lighthouse really is.
Between the years of 1813 and 1881, the tower was lowered and raised by about 20 feet - a total of four times! The only significant change since then came in 1989, when the previous light was removed and replaced with an airport-style revolving beacon
Today you'll find it in Fort Williams Park, a lovely place to explore walking paths and trails. As exciting as the lighthouse is, there is a wide range of other activities to do right in the park. In previous times we have visited we brought a picnic and laid out in the grass to enjoy a sandwich and a fantastic view. You can also enjoy a small beach near the lighthouse too.
If you are a fan of abandoned places like we are then there are some forts and even an old mansion in the park to witness. Some of these structures are well hidden so look around the park and try to find them all.
The Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park is open from sunrise to sundown year-round. It’s free to visit, but there’s a small fee for parking from May 1st to November 1st. You can learn more about visiting the Portland Headlight website. You can reach them at 207-799-2868. What do you think of the most photographed lighthouse right here in Maine? If you plan on visiting check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see not only what the lighthouse looks like but also the abandoned structures in Fort Williams Park.
