Ram Island Ledge Light Station, Cape Elizabeth Maine
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- Maine
- Lighthouse
Ram Island Ledge Light Station was established in 1905 to mark the hazardous and oftentimes submerged shoals that populate the northern side of the entrance to Portland Harbor.
In 1902 Congress appropriated $83,000 toward a projected estimate of $166,000 for the construction of a light station on Ram Island Ledge. This action was taken after the steamship California ran aground on the ledge in 1900. Work had not begun, however, before the British schooner Glenrosa struck the reef during a heavy fog on September 22nd, 1902. She was followed to her demise less than three months later by the fishing schooner Cora and Lillian. These three mishaps clearly illustrated the need for a light and fog signal at this location in the busy shipping lanes near Portland. The light was exhibited for the first time on April 10th, 1905. Sixty years later it was automated.
Site Description
Standing on a rock outcropping that is barely visible at high tide, the Ram Island Ledge Light Station, built in 1905, consists of a conical granite tower and an attached skeleton pier. The keeper's quarters and storage facilities are located within the tower wall. This tower rises to a height of seventy-seven feet from its base to the middle of the round lantern. A door reached by a ladder rising from the pier is located in the west face below a small square window. A pair of windows punctuate the south side and one is located in the east face. A wide molded granite walkway caps the tower base. It is framed by an iron railing. The unusual round lantern features an iron base and diamond pane windows sheltering the modern beacon. A spherical ventilator surmounts the roof. The pier extends from the west side of the structure. Originally a bell house was located at the far end of this structure.
View from southeast (1987)
