Journey to Maine’s Iconic Head Light Lighthouse: A Glimpse into History and Resilience
Hey everyone, it’s Dan Blanchard here from “Travel in Time with Dan” show, and today we’re exploring the stunning coast of Portland, Maine. Situated at Cape Elizabeth in Fort Williams Park, we’re visiting one of the United States’ most famous landmarks: the Head Light Lighthouse. Not only is it the most photographed lighthouse in the country, but it’s also the oldest lighthouse in the great state of Maine.
Maine’s rugged coastline has been protected by approximately 65 lighthouses over the past 200 years, with about six of them located right here in the Portland area. The Head Light Lighthouse, however, holds a special place in history.
A Beacon Through Time: The Head Light Lighthouse Story
- Presidential Commission: This iconic lighthouse was commissioned in 1787 by none other than George Washington. Its initial cost was a mere $750 when Maine was still part of Massachusetts.
- Construction and Early Days: Construction was completed in 1791. The first lighthouse keeper, a Revolutionary War soldier, began his duties in 1793, earning $160 a year.
- Lighting the Way: Initially, the light was produced by 16 whale oil lamps.
- Wartime Darkness: During World War II, the lighthouse was blacked out for three years. Portland Harbor was the closest harbor to Europe.
- Modernization and Museum Status: In 1989, coinciding with its bicentennial, the lighthouse was automated. It now functions as a museum, open to the public one day a year in September for Maine Open Lighthouse Day. While the park is always accessible, going inside the lighthouse itself is a rare treat.
- Pop Culture Cameo: Fun fact for movie buffs: this very lighthouse was featured on the postcard in the opening credits of National Lampoon’s Vacation with Chevy Chase.
Beyond the Lighthouse: Exploring Portland, the “Forest City”
Portland, known as the “Forest City” and the most populated city in Maine, offers a treasure trove of attractions:
- Old Port: Wander through the charming Old Port with its cobblestone streets.
- Historic Architecture: Admire the Victorian mansions and the old historic hotel.
- Unique Sights: Discover a spooky cemetery and the observatory, which has a lighthouse-like appearance.
- Literary Connection: Famed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived in Portland and is said to have written his poem “The Lighthouse” based on this very beacon.
- Culinary Delights: Don’t miss The Holy Donut, renowned for making sturdy, hearty donuts with potato. I recently enjoyed a delicious bacon maple donut from there!
The Leadership Lesson: The Power of Resilience
My visit to Portland and the Head Light Lighthouse highlighted a profound leadership lesson: resilience. Living in Maine means enduring cold winters and a dangerous, rocky coastline that has claimed many ships.
Portland’s history itself is a testament to this spirit:
- Rebuilding from Ashes: The city was burned to the ground by the British during the American Revolutionary War in 1775, and again in the War of 1812. After the Civil War, another devastating fire in 1866 leveled much of Portland. Each time, the resilient people of Portland rebuilt.
- Shaping the Nation: In the 1850s, Mainers were instrumental in establishing the Republican Party and getting Abraham Lincoln elected president.
These stories showcase the impressive resilience and leadership of people who take matters into their own hands.
It’s been a fantastic journey mixing travel, history, and leadership lessons. Thanks for joining me on “Travel in Time with Dan” show!
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
*Check out Dan’s book, “Travel in Time in Connecticut”: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Co...
*Watch Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NF2hO2rUnI&t=4s
*Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7zu29g2cewG0r2xNnZ6qyU?si=ecNdrcv8SU2q_FanOK4HHw
*See Dan’s Interview with Barzillai Delano, a keeper from 1796 to 1820: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/travel-in-time-with-dan-19-interview-from-the-past-with-barzillai-delano-keeper-of-head-light-lighthouse-1796-1820/
*Learn more about Dan: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/