Portland Head Light is one of the most visited lighthouse and one of the most popular lighthouses in the United States. According to World Atlas, Portland Head Light is the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Portland Head Light’s popularity is due to its historical provenance, it was the first lighthouse built by the United States government after it was formed and is connected to several of America’s Founding Fathers.
The country’s First Congress passed the Lighthouses Act in 1789, placing all lighthouses in the country under the jurisdiction of the federal government. President George Washington was personally involved with the planning of the lighthouse and asked that the tower be built with local rubblestone to save money. Since the Portland Head Light was first lit in 1791, the lighthouse has been well-kept and updated as needed.
