Photo Gallery: Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Photographs

Photo Courtesy: Library of Congress Photo via U.S. Lighthouse Society

This early postcard photograph of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, circa 1898, shows the newly completed caisson isolated at the end of the ledge.

The mix of sail and steam-powered vessels would be typical of traffic in Portland Harbor at that time.

 

 

 

In 1907, not much has changed with the lighthouse, as shown in this photograph. The davits visible in the photograph above on either side of the lower gallery appear to have been stowed in this view. Of course the biggest difference is the absense of the breakwater which wasn't completed until the early 50s.

 

 

In this aerial photograph, taken in mid-1950,the breakwater has been completed to within a few yards of the lighthouse and the Army Corps of Engineers has begun placing stones around the base of the caisson.

On shore the post WW-II development of Fort Preble is visible. Most of the buildings adjacent to the end of the breakwater were demolished in later years. One of the remaining buildings currently houses the Spring Point Museum.

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard Photo

A closer aerial view shows the breakwater nearing completion. The first ring of stones has been placed around the base of the caisson. This photograph was probably taken sometime in 1951.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes even the presence of a lighthouse was not enough to prevent misfortune.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy: Maine Images Photo

Today, Ft. Preble and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse attract fishermen and sightseers who come to enjoy the expansive views of Portland Harbor and its islands.