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 can also spot five more lighthouse towers. To your left (North) is Spring Point Ledge Light, which was built in 1897 and is located at the end of a rock breakwater. Directly in front of you is Ram Island Ledge Light, which was constructed in 1905 and is now powered by solar energy. During storms, the waves crash over the top of its lantern room. About 10 miles out, visible on a clear day, is Halfway Rock Light, which was first lit in 1871 and is located halfway between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Small. If you look to your right (South), you'll see one of the two original towers of the Cape Elizabeth Light Station. The towers were first lit in 1828, before being rebuilt out of iron in 1874. The East tower is still in active service, while the West tower (visible in the treeline) was decommissioned in 1924.
