This sturdy looking cast iron lighthouse came about after years of begging from unlucky captains and members of the maritime industry. Seems a dangerous rock ledge, blocking the western main shipping channel into Portland, caused considerable hull damage over the years. Once the project was partially funded, construction efforts met with foul weather and contractor-inspector squabbles.
   Finally the kerosene light was lit on May 24, 1897. The granite breakwater seen today wasn't set in place for another half century. The U.S. Coast Guard turned over this light to the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust in 1998. By 1999 the first tours of the lighthouse began, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the inside of an active working lighthouse. The first floor was used for storage, and upper floors contained a galley kitchen, bedrooms and a watch room. The beacon, a fifth order light with a focal plane of 54 feet, broadcasts a narrow white beam, showing ships the proper position in the channel. Outside the channel, the light shines a red beam on both sides, cautioning marine traffic of improper alignment. The breakwater not only provides easy access to the lighthouse, but doubles as a great fishing pier and picnic area. The breakwater is a great place to watch boat traffic and enjoy the Maine coast around South Portland.

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