5 Things You Didn’t Know About Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Portland Headlight is one of the most famous lighthouses in the United States. It sits on the rocky coastline of Cape Elizabeth, Maine standing guard over the Atlantic Ocean for nearly 300 years.

It's an iconic part of Maine and it's history. But how much do you know about Portland Headlight? Let's put you to the test.

Here are 5 things that you may not know about Maine's Portland Headlight.

1. George Washington Commisioned Portland Headlight

Portland Head Light was built in 1791, and commissioned by President George Washington while Maine was still part of Massachusetts. It was dedicated on January 10, 1791, by Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman and military officer who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by George Washington, in the Revolutionary War.

2. You Can Only Climb to the Top of The Lighthouse On One Day of the Year

For 364 days of the year, the top of the lighthouse is closed to the public. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day, and on that day you can go to the top with a guided tour.

3. Portland Head Light Is the Most Photographed Lighthouse in the United States

Despite not showing up in the Guinness Book of World Records or verified anywhere that I could find, Portland Headlight is considered the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. It seems legit to me, but who counted?

4. Its Light Can Be Seen for 16 Miles

Though lighthouses aren't used much for navigation like they used to be since technology has evolved in the past 300 years, Portland Headlight still shines its light at night and can be seen 16 miles away from the coast. There's also a horn that blasts every 20 seconds, and every 4 seconds during fog that lets the boats know they're near the lighthouse.

5.  A Ship Was Wrecked on the Rocks 100 Yards Away from Portland Headlight

On Christmas Eve in 1886, a three-masted sailing vessel crashed on the rocks at Portland Headlight. It has become famous for the photo of the wreck taken over 120 years ago. It's still a mystery as to why the ship crashed, but you can read more about it here.