Rockland Breakwater Light

Rockland, ME
Built in 1902; automated in 1965
Tower is 25 feet; light is 39 feet above sealevel

This unique building in Midcoast Maine is well along the comeback trail thanks to local concerned citizens. Almost a mile out at the end of a granite breakwater, it’s well worth the hike.

Jeremy's Lighthouse Guide #6

 

In the late 19th century Rockland was a leading port for the export of lime, mainly for use in brick mortar. Between 1881 and 1899 a granite breakwater was built to help protect the harbor. It took nearly 700,000 tons of granite to complete the project.

As work progressed a small lighted beacon was moved further out each time the breakwater was extended. An attendant was paid $25 a month to tend the light, and he also struck a metal triangle in times of fog. In 1902 a permanent lighthouse was established for $30,000, consisting of a keeper's house, engine room and attached 25-foot brick tower.

This was a "stag" station, meaning the keeper's families did not live at the lighthouse. One former Coast Guardsman who was stationed at the lighthouse in 1951 later said that the officer in charge once caught a 27-pound lobster. "The claw was as big as my shoe," he claimed.

In 1973 the Coast Guard announced that they were going to destroy the lighthouse, but a public outcry saved it. The City of Rockland became the owner of the property in 1998. The Friends of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, became involved and a lease was signed with the City in 2001. The Friends are in the midst of renovating the structure inside and out and have already made many improvements.

Open houses are now held every weekend in season. Check the official web site for more information.

For a detailed history and more, see Lighthouse.cc by Jeremy.

Copyright 2004 by Jeremy D'Entremont, New England Lighthouses
Photos are the property of the author and may not be used without permission.

Photos above fromJeremy D'Entremont.