Looking to protect Maine's Portland Harbor from further severe storms, a local contractor placed a rubble stone breakwater into a section of the harbor entrance. Money ran out before an ashlar capstone was completed over the 1800 foot length of the breakwater. Once a lighthouse was in place to mark the breakwater's end, light-keepers had a difficult time getting out to the tower even during calm weather.
   In 1874, Congress approved 6000 dollars for a permanent lighthouse. Employing one of Maine's most elegant designs, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse took on details of the 4th Century BCE Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. The 26 foot cast iron tower, dubbed Bug Light due to its small size. was decorated with six Corinthian columns and roof edging called palmettes.
   Today the 140 year old lighthouse, officially known as Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, is the centerpiece of Bug Light Park. Under the care of the South Portland Rotary Club and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Trust, the refurbished lighthouse was relit during a ceremony in 2002.

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