Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
When you visit the promontory where the lighthouse is located, you'll see an interesting rock formation that looks like petrified wood. However, it's made of alternating layers of quartzite and dark grey phyllite.
As you look out over Portland Harbor and Casco Bay, you will have the opportunity to view five additional lighthouse towers.
To your left (north) is Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, at the end of a long rock breakwater. This is a caisson-style light station, built in 1897. On the island directly in front of you is Ram Island Ledge Light Station. Constructed in 1905, it now features a solar-powered beacon. During storms, the waves have been seen to crash over the top of the lantern room. Beyond Ram Island to the right is Halfway Rock Light Station, located 10 miles offshore. This tower was first lit in 1887, and its name comes from its position marking halfway between north and south of the Casco Bay (Cape Small and Cape Elizabeth, respectively). Now look to your right (south), and you will be able to clearly view the east tower at Cape Elizabeth Light– also known as Two Lights. Formerly a twin lighthouse station opened in 1828, the current steel structure dates back to 1874. The west tower at Cape Elizabeth Light is also visible, poking out of the tree line just right of the east tower. The east tower is still in operation, while the west tower (also reconstructed in 1874) is now a private residence.
