One of a long string of coastal lighthouses, Maine's Portland Head Lighthouse is proudly perched along Cliff Walk Trail and overlooks a busy Casco Bay. The 230 year old lighthouse, light keeper's quarters and surrounding grounds are well maintained and managed by Fort Williams park staff. Among lighthouse fans, this picturesque setting is one of the most popular stops along Maine's intricate coastline. This lighthouse view photographed from the shoreline captures the lighthouse and keeper's quarters. The large keeper's quarters now subs as today's Portland Lighthouse Museum.
   Construction orders for this beacon were issued by America's first president, seeing completion in 1791. The 80 foot tall lighthouse, first on Maine's coastline, was finally automated in 1989. The structure stands on the 90 acre grounds of Fort Williams Park. The park is also home to vintage fort buildings, coastal batteries and the Goddard Mansion that dates back to the 1890s. Five additional lighthouses, all within 30 minutes of each other, can be found in the Portland area, but this photogenic beauty stands out among the others.
   PS- anyone with a little time on their hands while visiting the Portland Head Lighthouse may find this sea arch (lower inset) just to the south of the light station. Carved from shoreline granite, arch hunters may have to wait for low tide for a closer look.

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