Construction of the 4,346 foot Breakwater across Rockland Harbor towards the Owl's Head pennisula began in April 1881 and was completed in November of 1899. It was built to protect Rockland Harbor and boats from the forces of the Atlantic Ocean. 732,277 tons of granite blocks were dropped into the water in the form of a trapezoid 175 feet at the base and 43 feet wide of the top to a depth of approximately 60 feet. The granite cost $750,000.
The Lighthouse, consisting of a brick lighthouse with a fog horn and a wood frame four-room keeper's house, was erected and lit in 1902 at a cost of $30,000. It orginally had an oil burning light, but was converted to electricity in 1940 by the installation of a generator which was upgraded to an electric cable to shore in 1960.
The first of the following pictures shows the Breakwater beginning at the shore on Jameson's Point. Come along for the walk to the Lighthouse.
From the very first granite blocks of the Breakwater (above) at the shore of Jameson's Point you can barely see the white Lighthouse at the other end over three-quarters of a mile away. The gaps between the granite blocks make it a treacherous hike.
The Samoset Resort and golf course can be seen in the distance.
You can see yellow, red and white lobster buoys.
Finally, we're getting to the Lighthouse just as the island ferry heads in toward Rockland.
You can clearly see the wood-frame keeper's house and the brick lighthouse. The old boat house is the white structure to the left.
Standing on the last granite blocks before being in the water at the end of the Breakwater looking up at the Lighthouse, you can see the little white fog horn with the big noise inside the railing at the top.
The view of the Breakwater from inside one of the keeper's bedrooms.
Let's go up the spiral staircase in the light tower.
The trap door entrance to the light room.
My foot. You can see it's a tight squeeze.
Slate shingles on the roof and the Breakwater running to shore.
The light through the glass from the outside walkway.
Where not to stand when the fog rolls in. This is the fog horn.
If you ever make it to Rockland, Maine as you travel along the Atlantic Highway, be sure to take the walk out the Breakwater to the Lighthouse. You just might see some dolphins and seals, too.
The following pictures show some of the ships and boats that sail past the Lighthouse, everyday.
A schooner at full sail.
A small pleasure sailboat.
A construction ferry carrying dumptrucks returning from one of the offshore islands.
A small pleasure cruiser.
If you ever make it to Rockland, Maine as you travel along the Atlantic Highway, be sure to take the walk out the Breakwater to the Lighthouse. You just might see some dolphins and seals, too.
