South Portland in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Bug Light
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
Photographed by Richard Peterson, October 3, 2022
1. Bug Light Marker
Inspired by the fourth-century Choragic Monument built near the Acropolis in Athens, the unique style of the lighthouse sets it apart from any other lighthouse in the world. It was adopted as the official seal of the City of South Portland in 1940.
The lighthouse is owned by the City of South Portland and has been maintained by the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club since 1989. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo Captions:
Bug Light at the end of the 1,990 foot-long breakwater. Cushing Point is visible in the background.
Bug Light, shown with keeper's quarters attached.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 43° 39.3′ N, 70° 14.1′ W. Marker is in South Portland, Maine, in Cumberland County. It
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Regionally, this marker is on Southern Maine Coast. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: South Portland and Its Liberty Ships (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Ugly Ducklings (about 700 feet away); The Yard (about 700 feet away); WWII: On the Home Front (about 700 feet away); Voyages for Victory (about 700 feet away); The Work Force (about 700 feet away); South Portland's Ships for Liberty (about 700 feet away); The Ultimate Sacrifice (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Portland.
Photographed by Richard Peterson, October 3, 2022
2. Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Lighthouse)
Photographed by Richard Peterson, October 3, 2022
3. Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Lighthouse)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by Richard Peterson of East Windsor, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Richard Peterson of East Windsor, New Jersey. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
