LIGHTHOUSE XI

PORTLAND HEAD LIGHT – MAINE

Order No. 091

HISTORY: Portland Head Light was built in 1791 during George Washington’s third year as president. It was automated in 1989. This 80 foot tall, conical rubblestone tower was the first lighthouse built in Maine. It was the thirteenth lighthouse built on the Atlantic Coast. It is situated at the south entrance to Portland Harbor, adjacent to Fort Williams State Park.

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and picturesque lighthouses in Maine, it is one of the most photographed lights in the United States. The light has undergone numerous changes over the years. The lamp/lens was changed eight times and the height of the tower modified three times. It has housed both a second-order and a fourth-order Fresnel lens.

In 1989 the lighthose was decommissioned recognizing the automation of the lighthouse. The property was leased in 1990 to the Town of Cape Elizabeth. The Museum at Portland Head Light has been located in the former keeper's house since 1992. The U. S. Coast Guard maintains the optics and sound signal. It is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and one of the nation’s most historic.

STITCHING INFORMATION: Stitch Count: 197 stitches wide x 127 high. Our model was stitched on a 16" x 13" piece of 18-count white AIDA fabric. To use a different type of fabric or different AIDA sized fabric, give the stitch count to your fabric store and they will help you select the correct amount of fabric to complete this design. Our threads were carefully chosen to depict the actual colors of the lighthouse to give it the most realistic appearance possible.