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Halfway Rock Lighthouse Fun Facts
Location: Casco Bay off Bailey Island
Closest City: South Harpswell, Maine
Latitude: 43.6558 Longitude: -70.0369
Body of Water: Casco Bay
Open to Public: No
Station Established: 1871
Present Tower Activated: 1871
Status of Light: Operational
Tower Height: 76 ft.
Optic: VRB-25, 1994
Third Order Fresnel, 1871
National Register Reference #: 88000150
Listing Name: Halfway Rock Light Station
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The Halfway Rock lighthouse was so named for being located roughly halfway between the Portland Head and Seguin Island lighthouses. Construction of the tower here was a long time in coming. In the 1800s, numerous shipwrecks occurred in this area just over twelve miles east of Portland. Of note is the wreck of the Samuel, which smashed onto the ledge at Halfway Rock in 1835, killing its captain and and steward. Wreck after wreck continued to litter the waters here until 36 years later when the 76 foot, conical, white granite block Halfway Rock lighthouse tower was first lit in August of 1871.
This site is particularly susceptible to storms and the buildings here have paid the price. Over the years, various buildings have come and gone. Finally, in 1991, an especially nasty gale wiped away all but the tower. Just the fact that the tower has never been rebuilt is a testament to its construction.
The light was automated in 1975. The original third order Fresnel was replaced by a Vega VRB-25 aerobeacon in 1994. The original lens is on display at the U.S. Coast Guard Museum in New London, CT. This light remains an active aid to navigation and is closed to the public. The site is not clearly visible from land but may be viewable via a local boat tour.
Lighthouse Accessibility
- This site is closed to the public.
- The lighthouse cannot be seen clearly from the shore.
- A local boat tour may pass near the site.
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