Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Oct. 17, 2019
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Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland, Maine

Sparkplug style lighthouse built in 1897.

SPRING POINT LEDGE LIGHT

WEST SIDE OF PORTLAND HARBOR, SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE
Station Established: 1897
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1897
Operational? YES
Automated? 1934
Deactivated: N/A
Foundation Materials: BRICK/IRON CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON/BRIK
Tower Shape: CONICAL “SPARK PLUG”
Markings/Pattern: WHITE ON BLACK PIER W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: FIFTH ORDER FRESNEL

Historical Information:

  • Requests from seven shipping companies in 1891 convinced the government to establish a light station on Spring Point Ledge. The ledge is a dangerous obstacle on the west side of the entrance to Portland Harbor.
  • A 54 foot caisson or “sparkplug” style light was built on the ledge. A fifth order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower. Electricity was run to the station in 1934. Responsibility for the Portland Breakwater Light was transferred to the keepers at Spring Point Ledge after both stations received electricity.
  • A 900 foot breakwater was built in 1951 to connect the lighthouse with the mainland.
  • In 1998 the light was transferred to the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust. The trust has started restoring the light. The group offers occasional “open house” tours to the public. The light is an active aid to navigation.

Researched and written by Melissa Buckler, a volunteer through the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society.