Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse

Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse complex in Rockland, Maine. It is located at the end of the Rockland Breakwater in the harbor. 

Rockland is located on the west side of Penobscot Bay in Maine’s Mid Coast region. With the rise of fishing and travel in the early nineteenth century, its harbor thrived. Unfortunately, the harbor was inadequately protected, and major storms in the 1850s emphasized a need for better harbor protection. In 1880, Rockland received government funding for a breakwater. The breakwater, which is over 4,000 feet long, was built between 1880 and 1900 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The lighthouse and keeper’s residence were finished in 1902. The square lighthouse stands 25 feet tall and was constructed of red brick. 

In 1964, the light was automated. The lighthouse was maintained by the Samoset Resort on Jameson Point, at the other end of the breakwater, from 1973 to 1989. The Coast Guard completed a major renovation in 1990 and transferred ownership of the structure to the City of Rockland in 1999. Since then, the building has been maintained by volunteers, while the light itself is still under the control of the Coast Guard. A float and boat ramp were added in 2003.

As volunteers are available, the Friends of Rockland Harbor Lighthouses open this historic lighthouse to the public. Visitors can walk through the beautifully restored home and climb to the top of the lantern for a bird’s-eye view of the harbor, which features working lobster boats and historic schooners. Visitors frequently enjoy sightings of shorebirds and harbor seals in and around the stone breakwater – and, on rare occasions, dolphins.

The lighthouse is one of 5 Greater Portland & Casco Bay Lighthouses To Check Out. You can also find other great spots to explore in Maine at goxplr.com/map/maine!