Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse: Guiding Ships Safely Through Treacherous Waters

Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse, standing proudly in Casco Bay, Maine, serves as a steadfast beacon, marking the northern terminus of the primary channel leading to Portland's harbor. It tells a tale of treacherous waters, shipwrecks, and the unwavering determination to ensure the safety of mariners navigating the perilous waters of Casco Bay.

Navigating the Treacherous Ledges

Ram Island Ledge, a jagged finger of rock stretching a quarter-mile long, posed a significant hazard to vessels navigating the waters of Casco Bay. Its submerged presence, often hidden beneath the waves, became notorious among local mariners as one of the most treacherous obstacles in the area. The ledges were responsible for numerous shipwrecks over the years, earning a chilling reputation.

One stark example of the perils these ledges presented occurred on February 24, 1900, when the 400-foot steamship Californian (formerly known as the State of California) ran aground while en route from Portland to Glasgow, Scotland. Remarkably, there were no casualties, but it took six weeks to free the ship from its rocky grip. This incident prompted the U.S. Congress to allocate funds for the construction of a lighthouse on Ram Island Ledge.

Building the Lighthouse on Unforgiving Terrain

In 1902, the government allocated $166,000 to construct a lighthouse and fog signal on Ram Island Ledge. The arduous task of building on the rugged ledges began in May 1903. It was no easy feat. The ledges had to be leveled, a protective bulkhead was installed to shield workers from the elements, and housing was set up on nearby Ram Island to accommodate the labor force.

Construction progressed steadily but encountered challenges related to funds and supplies. Work continued from April to July in 1904, and a thirteen-ton lantern crowned with a third-order Fresnel lens was installed on the tower. This new lighthouse, standing 90 feet tall, with the light situated 77 feet above mean high water, was first illuminated on April 10, 1905. Its presence significantly reduced shipwrecks in the area, making navigation safer for mariners.

Automation and Preservation

In late 1958, an underwater power cable was installed between Portland Head and Ram Island Ledge, allowing for the automation of the lighthouse. On January 14, 1959, the last full-time Coast Guard personnel left the lighthouse. In 2000, the lighthouse transitioned to solar power, reducing its environmental footprint.

The American Lighthouse Foundation took over the stewardship of the lighthouse in October 2005. The original third-order Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern 300mm optic, displaying two white flashes every six seconds, accompanied by an automatic foghorn that sounds once every ten seconds when needed.

A Historic Gem Recognized

On March 14, 1988, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This distinction honors the lighthouse's historical significance, recognizing its role in maritime history and its architectural importance. Its reference number, assigned by the National Park Service, is 88000157.

Change of Ownership

In July 2010, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse was put up for sale to the general public, starting at a bid of $10,000. Initially, it had been made available for free to government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, but there was no taker. Eventually, Jeffrey Florman, a surgeon from Windham, Maine, secured the lighthouse with a winning bid of $190,000.

A Distant but Enchanting Sight

Located over a mile offshore from Cape Elizabeth, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse can be best admired from Fort Williams Park. While distant, it's a captivating sight for visitors to behold. Boat tours also provide a closer look, offering a unique perspective on this enduring sentinel that continues to guide ships safely through treacherous waters.