Cape Elizabeth in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)

Portland Head Light

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009

1. Portland Head Light Marker

Inscription.
Since its commission by George Washington in 1790, Portland Head Light remains an enduring symbol of the rugged, solid characteristics of a magnificent coastline and proud people weathering the challenges of nature and time.

In observance of Greater Portland's 350th anniversary, we rededicate this unique landmark to the aspirations and achievements of those who came before us and to present and future generations who will continue its proud heritage.

George Bush
Vice President of the United States
July, 1982

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #41 George H.W. Bush, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1982.

Location. 43° 37.382′ N, 70° 12.513′ W. Marker is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in Cumberland County. Marker is on Fort Williams Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Elizabeth ME 04107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (within shouting distance of this marker); Coast Guard Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Lighthouse Bicentennial (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Eagle 56 (PE-56) (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Eagle-56 (PE-56) (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portland Head Light (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Elizabeth.

Additional commentary.
1. The bell structure on side of building
I use to be a assistant lighthousekeeper there at Portland head from 1980-1983 and lived there with my family, I was in US Coast Guard. My comment is, We use to take care of all the structures around there all the time, when the light tower was falling apart, we would put new plaster on it, and we also always kept the bell structure up and planted flowers around it to look always excellent for the tourist to enjoy viewing when they visited every day. I was really disgusted on how the town has let this bell structure fall away like it has, from looking at that picture that's on this

Portland Head Light and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 31, 2017

2. Portland Head Light and Marker

Marker in shadow in bottom foreground

site, I find it disgusting that they would show the deterioration on this national landmark. I think someone needs to get in there and restore it to its normal state of beauty the way it was, re-patch it and repaint it. I am sure the town of Cape Elizabeth can afford that. I have a picture of me standing next to that bell tower in 1982 with the Captain of the Coast Guard base and the Admiral of the First Coast Guard District. Anyway if you want me to send that picture of the bell tower the way it looked when I was there, I will be glad to, that's the way it should always look. Like I said, I still can't believe the management there would let it get to the deteriorated state it is now, and let the public see it. Marion Danna USCG-Ret.

— Submitted April 20, 2011, by Marion Danna of Groves, Texas.

Portland Head Light image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009

3. Portland Head Light

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009

4. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Plaque

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow often walked from Portland to visit this Lighthouse. The Keepers were his friends, and it is believed he sat here for inspiration for his poem "The Lighthouse"
"Sail on; Sail on ye stately ships
And with your floating bridge the ocean span
Be mine to guard this light from all eclipse
Be yours to bring man near unto man."

Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2018

5. Portland Head Light Marker

Portland Head Keeper's House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009

6. Portland Head Keeper's House

Lighthouse Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009

7. Lighthouse Bell

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 16, 2009

8. Coastline

Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2018

9. Portland Head Light Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,166 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on April 20, 2011, by Marion Danna of Groves, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on August 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on November 28, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 9. submitted on November 28, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.