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South Portland, ME
Est 1855; present lighthouse built 1875.
Height of tower: 26 feet
Jeremy "The Lighthouse Guy" takes you inside and all around "Bug Light", an active light with a nearby park within an easy drive of Seacoast NH.
Jeremy’s Lighthouse Guide #52
This little lighthouse, known locally as Bug Light, was modeled after the Greek Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, built in the fourth century B.C. It’s the unique centerpiece of a pleasant waterfront park established in recent years.
In November 1831, a fierce storm ravaged Portland Harbor. In response, a 2,500-foot protective breakwater was planned, and a lighthouse was included in the plans. Construction began in 1836 but was halted by a lack of funds. This also delayed the building of the lighthouse, making the unfinished breakwater more of a hindrance than a help to navigation.
Finally, in 1854 the lighthouse was authorized. Construction began the following year, and on August 1, 1855, a small octagonal wooden tower was lighted for the first time.
There was no keeper's house initially, so the keeper had to walk over the breakwater to the light. This often became a battle against waves, wind and ice. Keepers sometimes had to crawl the 1,800 feet to the lighthouse on their hands and knees.
The breakwater was extended by almost 200 feet in the early 1870s, and a new lighthouse was erected at its end. The design of the cast-iron tower is unique; the cylinder is surrounded by six fluted columns. It has been suggested that Thomas Ustick Walter, who designed and erected the cast-iron dome on the nation's Capitol building, may have had a hand in designing the lighthouse.
In 1889, a wooden keeper's dwelling was finally built adjacent to the lighthouse. The house presented an unusual appearance as it actually hung over the edge of the breakwater on both sides. In 1934, the light was electrified and the keeper's house was removed, and the job of tending the light went to the keeper at nearby Spring Point Ledge Light.
A park has been established adjacent to the lighthouse, officially named "Bug Light Park." A restoration of the lighthouse was completed in August 2002, culminating in the relighting of Bug Light as an active private aid to navigation.
To learn much more about thie lighthouse go to LIGHTHOUSE.cc
Copyright 2005 by Jeremy D'Entremont,New England Lighthouses
Photos are the property of the author and may not be used without permission.
Photos above from Jeremy D'Entremont. |
