Marshall Point Lighthouse: Guiding Mariners and Inspiring Hollywood

Perched at the entrance to Port Clyde Harbor in the picturesque village of Port Clyde in St. George, Maine, the Marshall Point Lighthouse Station stands as a sentinel of maritime history. Its legacy, spanning nearly two centuries, is rich with tales of navigation, resilience, and even Hollywood fame.

Early Beginnings

The origins of Marshall Point Lighthouse trace back to 1832 when a 20-foot tower illuminated by seven 14-inch reflector lard oil lamps graced this rocky outcropping on Maine's St. George Peninsula. However, the beacon's service life was relatively short-lived. In 1857, the original tower met its end, making way for the lighthouse that now stands proudly in its place.

The Current Lighthouse

The present-day Marshall Point Lighthouse, built in 1857, is a 31-foot white brick tower with a solid granite foundation. Initially lit by a fifth-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse's fixed white light had a range of 13 nautical miles. A raised wooden walkway connects the tower to the ground. Additionally, the station features a fog signal, emitting a single blast every ten seconds.

Keeper's Dwelling and More

The keeper's dwelling, unfortunately, met a tragic end when lightning struck and destroyed it in 1895. A Colonial Revival-style home was subsequently constructed to replace it. In 1898, an oil house and a bell tower with a substantial 1,000-pound bell were added to enhance the station's capabilities. In 1969, the bell gave way to a foghorn, which took up its vital duty of warning mariners of impending danger.

Modernization and Restoration

In 1980, modernization arrived at Marshall Point Lighthouse, leading to automation, and the original Fresnel lens was replaced by a contemporary 12-inch optic. The beloved original lens found its new home at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, preserving its historical significance. This new optic continued to guide mariners with its fixed white light, visible up to 13 nautical miles.

A Beacon of History

Marshall Point Lighthouse's historical value was officially recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 23, 1998. This prestigious designation underscores its pivotal role in maritime history and its architectural significance. The National Park Service assigned the lighthouse the reference number 87002262.

From Movies to Museums

This iconic lighthouse has also had its moment in the spotlight, quite literally. It served as a backdrop for numerous commercial photo shoots and achieved cinematic fame in the film "Forrest Gump," starring Tom Hanks. In the movie, Hanks' character famously completes his cross-country run, culminating at the runway of Marshall Point Lighthouse. Visitors to the museum can explore the documentation related to the film's production. Many people love recreating videos and acting like Forrest Gump.

Preservation and Education

The St. George Historical Society has played a crucial role in preserving and celebrating Marshall Point Lighthouse's heritage. They took on the responsibility of restoring the keeper's house in 1986 under the town's auspices, entering into a lease agreement with the Coast Guard. A committee was formed to oversee the restoration, which commenced in 1988. The Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum, founded by the St. George Historical Society in 1986, offers captivating exhibits that provide a comprehensive overview of the region's history, culture, and people. With the largest reference center on the Saint George Peninsula, it serves as a valuable resource for history enthusiasts.

A Must-Visit Destination

Today, visitors can explore Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum, immersing themselves in the fascinating maritime history of the area. A spacious parking lot at the end of Marshall Point Road provides convenient access, with approximately 25 parking spots available, and the best part is, parking is free.