Location: Casco Bay, ME
Halfway Rock Lighthouse (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Coordinates: 43 39 21 N 70 02 12 W
Overview:
Built in 1871, the rugged granite tower at Halfway Rock is situated atop a barren ledge, roughly two-acres in size, located on the last vestige of “land,” approximately 11 miles off Portland, Maine, before Casco Bay yields to the open expanse of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
In fact, the harsh realities associated with the environment in which Halfway Rock stands sentinel prompted Maine Preservation to nominate the lighthouse as one of the state’s most endangered historic sites in June 2004.
Quick Lighthouse Facts:
- Year Built: 1871
- Height of Tower: 76 feet
- Description: White granite tower showing a flashing red light every 5 seconds that is visible 19 nautical miles. The light station is equipped with a fog horn that sounds two blasts every 30 seconds. – Reference: 2005 U.S. Coast Guard Light List
- Location: On rock, midway between Cape Small Point and Cape Elizabeth. – Reference: 1939 U.S. Lighthouse Service Light List
- Automated: 1975
- Status: Active aid to navigation owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and licensed to the American Lighthouse Foundation
Light Station Historical Facts:
The lighthouse bears a resemblance to Minot’s Ledge with its massive granite blocks dovetailed together. When originally established, Halfway Rock Light showed a white light with a red flash every 60 seconds from a third order Fresnel lens. In 1887, the U.S. Lighthouse Service constructed 43-foot pyramidal skeletal bell tower that contained a 1,000-pound fog bell and striking machinery. By 1905, the ineffective bell was replaced by a Daboll trumpet fog signal. When the lighthouse was automated, the beacon’s Fresnel lens was removed and placed on display at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Museum. In June 2004, Maine Preservation listed Halfway Rock Lighthouse as one of the state’s most endangered historic sites.
Preservation Status:
Lighthouse has been deemed excess by the federal government and will be sold at auction by GSA in 2014.
Lighthouse located Offshore
The lighthouse is located offshore and is not accessible at this time. A few charter boats offer scenic cruises that go by this lighthouse.
