Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine

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Date added: February 02, 2025
Lighthouse View Northeast towards Fort Scammell, Southeast Side (1989)

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Established in 1897 above a dangerous reef in Portland's inner harbor, the Spring Point Ledge Light Station is the most intact of Maine's three surviving "spark plug" lights.

Spring Point Ledge light is one of two lights that aid navigation in Portland Harbor. The other, Portland Breakwater, was established in 1855. Throughout the latter half of the nineteenth century, there was considerable local clamor for a permanent light to mark this particular section of Portland's busy harbor area. The ledge was witness to a number of wrecks and accidental groundings. After repeated requests in the Annual Report(s) of the Light-House Board beginning in 1892, Congress authorized the construction of a light station at this site in 1895. It did not become operational, however, until May 24th, 1897. The light was automated in 1960.

Site Description

The Spring Point Ledge Light Station is one of four similarly shaped "spark plug" structures built in Maine during the 1890s, three of which survive. This particular example is unique among the group because it retains the gallery that encircles the top of the base. It was erected in 1896-97.

This handsome structure consists of a poured concrete base encased in cast iron plates. The gallery is supported by large iron brackets with pendants and is sheltered by a shallow roof. A railing extends around the walkway. The broad second stage of the tower contains the four-level keeper's quarters and storage facilities. Its cast-iron structure is punctuated by a number of window openings (all containing glass blocks) and a single door. A parapet with railing crowns the second stage, it is partially supported by iron brackets. The much narrower third stage supports the ten-sided iron lantern and its encircling walkway. In 1952 a granite breakwater, 900 feet in length, was completed thereby connecting the light with the mainland.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine View from southwest (1986)
View from southwest (1986)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine View from southwest (1986)
View from southwest (1986)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse South Side (1989)
Lighthouse South Side (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse South-southwest Side (1989)
Lighthouse South-southwest Side (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse View Northeast towards Fort Scammell, Southeast Side (1989)
Lighthouse View Northeast towards Fort Scammell, Southeast Side (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse from Lower Gallery Looking South-southeast towards Fort Preble (1989)
Lighthouse from Lower Gallery Looking South-southeast towards Fort Preble (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse Basement (1989)
Lighthouse Basement (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse Second Floor (1989)
Lighthouse Second Floor (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse Doorway to Second Floor Room, Looking West up Stairs to Third Floor (1989)
Lighthouse Doorway to Second Floor Room, Looking West up Stairs to Third Floor (1989)

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland Maine Lighthouse Detail of Lens (1989)
Lighthouse Detail of Lens (1989)