In November 1831, a fierce storm ravaged Portland Harbor, destroying wharves and buildings. In response, a 2,500-foot protective breakwater was planned for the south side of the harbor's entrance. A lighthouse was included in the plans for the structure.

Construction began in 1836 but was soon halted by lack of funds. The breakwater reached 1,800 feet and was uncapped for much of its length. The shortage of funds also delayed the building of the lighthouse, making the breakwater more of a navigational hindrance than a help.

Finally, in 1854, funds for a lighthouse were appropriated. Construction began the following year, and on August 1, 1855, a small octagonal wooden tower with a sixth-order Fresnel lens was lighted for the first time by Keeper W.A. Dyer.

The first Portland Breakwater Light

U.S. Coast Guard photo

No keeper's house was built initially, so the keeper had to walk over the breakwater to the light. This often became a battle against waves, wind, and ice. Keepers sometimes had to crawl the 1,800 feet to the lighthouse on their hands and knees.

The breakwater was extended by almost 200 feet in the early 1870s and a new lighthouse was erected on a granite foundation at the end of the structure. The original tower was moved to Little Diamond Island, where it became a lookout tower for buoy tenders.

First lighted in June 1875, the new Portland Breakwater Light, known locally as "Bug Light," was modeled after the Greek Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, built in the fourth century B.C. The design of the cast-iron tower is unique; the cylinder is surrounded by six fluted columns. It has been suggested that Thomas Ustick Walter, who designed and erected the cast-iron dome on the nation's Capitol building, may have had something to do with designing the lighthouse. The lighthouse held a sixth order Fresnel lens. The walk on the breakwater was still difficult, but still no keeper's house was built.

A wooden keeper's dwelling with two rooms was finally built adjacent to the lighthouse in 1889. Two more rooms and an attic were added in 1903. The house presented an unusual appearance as it actually hung over the edge of the breakwater on both sides.

U.S. Coast Guard

In 1897, a 400-pound fog bell was relocated from the nearby Stanford Ledge Buoy to the breakwater.A 1,000 pound bell was installed at the base of the tower in 1903. In the following year, 200 tons of riprap stones were piled around the outer end of the breakwater to afford more protection for the lighthouse.

The Maine Historical Preservation Committee secured $26,000 from the Lighthouse Bicentennial Fund and the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club, paying for a 1989 renovation of the lighthouse that included structural repairs and a new coat of paint. A park has been established adjacent to the lighthouse, officially named "Bug Light Park."

Interpretive signs tell the story of the Liberty Ships built in South Portland

Through the 1990s, the tower's condition deteriorated and the ventilator ball was stolen from the top of the lantern. The South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club and the Spring Point Ledge Light Trust completed a new restoration culminating in a relighting ceremony on August 14, 2002.

A replacement ventilator ball was installed, donated by the U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team South Portland. The tower was painted inside and out, and a 250 mm optic was added. South Portland Mayor William Dale declared at the relighting ceremony, "This harbor is alive and well, and this lighthouse is representative of it."

Jack Roberts spoke at the recomissioning event on August 14, 2002

Jack Roberts, president of the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club and chairman of the town council of neighboring Cape Elizabeth, added:

Bug Light has a new lease on life. It will shine as the crown jewel of Bug Light Park. . . This lighthouse is so much more than stone and iron. It is living history This lighthouse has stood the test of time for 127 years. With loving care it will be here for another century and beyond.

Senior Chief Tommy Dutton of U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team South Portland had the honor of turning on the light at the event. Portland Breakwater Light's 250 mm optic now exhibits a white flash every four seconds, welcoming visitors to South Portland and historic Portland Harbor.

Many people in attendance at the recommissioning toured the lighthouse

You can park in a lot nearby and walk to the tower. You can also see the unusual little lighthouse from many excursion boats out of Portland Harbor.

Keepers: W.A. Dyer (1855-1857); William L. Willard (1857-1860); Benjamin F. Willard (1860-1861); Benjamin B. Walton (1861-1866); Len Strout (1866-1867); Paul McKenna (McKenney ?) (1867-1875); Stephen Hubbard (1875-1887); Albus R. Angell (1887-1900); Parker O. Haley (1900 -1908); William T. Holbrook (July 1908 - November 1908); Parker O. Haley (1908 -1909); William T. Holbrook (1909-1919); Preston Marr (?)