Name and Location

The Ram Island Ledge Light is a historic lighthouse located off Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Maine, USA (43°37′42″N 70°11′23″W).

Construction and History

Located since its construction in 1850, the Ram Island Ledge Light has been guiding mariners through the treacherous Portland Harbor. It is also commonly referred to as the "Portland Harbor Lighthouse". Initially manned by keepers who lived on the island with their families, life at the lighthouse was marked by isolation and hard work.

Architecture and Materials

The Ram Island Ledge Light is a classic example of a screw-pile lighthouse design. The octagonal tower rises 45 feet (13.7 meters) above the water level, constructed from cast-iron and brick with a distinctive red color that has been maintained over the years.

Light and Navigation

The original light source was a third-order Fresnel lens, producing a flashing white light every 15 seconds. The focal height of the light is approximately 40 feet (12.2 meters) above sea level, allowing it to be visible for up to 13 miles (21 kilometers) out to sea.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors are welcome to view the lighthouse from shore, but access to the island itself is restricted due to environmental concerns and limited infrastructure. The nearest mainland point is Cape Elizabeth, where visitors can park and enjoy a short walk along the beach to get a glimpse of the historic structure.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and dense vegetation. The lighthouse is situated on Ram Island, a small rocky outcropping off Cape Elizabeth.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Ram Island Ledge Light has been the subject of local folklore and stories over the years, with tales of shipwrecks and near-misses being shared among locals and visitors alike. During World War II, the lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding mariners through the treacherous Portland Harbor.

Technical and Operational Details

In 1926, the lighthouse was automated, marking the end of an era of manual operation by keepers. Today, the Ram Island Ledge Light serves as a private aid to navigation, with its light still functioning to guide mariners through the Portland Harbor.

Further Information