Marshall Point Lighthouse

[HOME] [SCREENSAVERS] [DOWNLOAD] [PURCHASE & REGISTRATION] [LIGHTHOUSE FACTS] [WALLPAPER] [USER'S GUIDE]

Marshall Point Light

(Port Clyde, Maine)

The Marshall Point lighthouse is located in Port Clyde, Maine. The current light was built in 1857. It is 31 feet tall and is constructed of brick and granite. This lighthouse replaced the original lighthouse that was built in 1832 and consisted of a 20-foot rubblestone tower.

The brick and granite lighthouse was originally equipped with a fifth order Fresnel lens and emitted a fixed white light that could be seen for about 10 miles. The Fresnel lens remained in the lighthouse up to 1935 when the light was electrified.

A bell tower was built in 1898 and contained a 1,000 pound bronze bell. This was replaced by a fog horn in 1969. The bell is on display at the keeper’s house (see picture below).

The keeper’s house, built in 1832 was destroyed by lightning in 1895. It was replaced at that time and is the same house that exists today. In 1971 a LORAN (Long RAnge Navagation) station was installed in the keeper’s house. This navigation system, widely used by mariners, transmitted a 128,000 watt signal over a range of 14,000 square miles. It operated up until 1980. Presently, GPS (Global Positioning System) is replacing LORAN as a more accurate navigation means.

Beginning in 1986 the St. George Historical Society began restoration of the house, which was completed in 1990. The first floor houses the Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum. The second floor is an apartment. The entire station became the property of the town of St. George in April 1998.

To get there take Rout 131 south from U.S. 1 in Thomaston. Follow 131 through St. George and Tennent’s Harbor to Port Clyde. Turn left on Drift Inn Road then right onto Marshall Point Road. The lighthouse is at the end of the road. The grounds are open to the public all year and the museum is open from May to October.

[Back To the Maine Lighthouses Page]

All pictures are the original work of Rick Totton and are protected under copyright laws.

Do not reproduce any images from this website without permission of the author.