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| At high tide, in full function |
Some lighthouses are known for beauty, some are welcomed for their function, Ram Island Ledge is one of the latter. One mile offshore of Portland Head Light are a score of ledges of which Ram Island is the largest.
In 1855 people erected a 50 foot high tripod of wood which was okay in good weather, but mariners were unable to see it at night or in bad weather. After the transoceanic liner California ran aground with 400 passengers Congress finally decided to fund a lighthouse.
The tower is granite from Rockland, Maine and it is lined with brick with enameled white. There is a cistern for fresh water near the base of the tower, and the living/work area is about halfway up. If you look at the photo above the door is at the top of the ladder. Because men could only work and the construction at high tide it took a little longer to build.
It's out there now blinking white every ten seconds, and sounding a fog horn. Now privately owned it is maintained (the actual light) by the United State Coast Guard.
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| In 1903 the building started, heavy stuff. |
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| Climbing the ladder to the door. |
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| A Coast Guardsman services the optic light. |
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| A view from the top, lots of ledge out there, ayuh! |
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