Welcome to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
Visiting the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse has been the centerpiece of Rockland Harbor since 1902. It is at the end of a 7/8-mile-long granite breakwater. It is a top destination in the midcoast region, and a must for lighthouse lovers, maritime history buffs, birdwatchers, and folks seeking a unique outdoor activity. You may see lobster boats hauling their traps just a short distance from the breakwater, or see a majestic windjammer sail by as they set out to explore Penobscot Bay.
Things to remember when walking:
- There are no running water or bathroom facilities at the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse (although there are Port-a-Potties set up in the Park area in the summer months).
- Bring water for yourself and your pet as you would do with any hike.
- Wear comfortable shoes and use caution! The breakwater is made of granite blocks which can be slippery when wet. Keep your eyes on your feet because there are spaces between the blocks and some blocks are uneven. Falls usually result from not paying attention.
- Dress warmly. There is always a breeze on the breakwater and as you approach the lighthouse (almost a mile “out to sea”) there is a noticeable decrease in temperature.
- Never walk the breakwater if you suspect a lightning storm. If you get caught during a lightning storm stay near the lighthouse or keep low along the breakwater.
- “Carry in-carry out” policy. Please do not leave anything behind.
- Access to the Breakwater is at your own risk. Please use caution. Do not attempt to access the Breakwater during severe weather conditions.
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the Breakwater. Remove any pet waste, there is a trash can at the park entrance.
- The Lighthouse building is not open for tours at this time. Once needed repairs are made, we will welcome visitors again! Please follow the lighthouse on Facebook (hyperlink) for updates and events.
Getting Here
- Car parking and a bike rack are available at the end of Samoset Road. It is approximately an 8-minute drive from the downtown Main Street area. See map and directions below.
- The grounds and breakwater are open for public access during daylight hours.
- Marie Reed Park is the entrance to the Breakwater and Lighthouse. It has picnic tables in a shaded area overlooking the harbor, and a wide gravel path leads to the base of the breakwater.
- We recommend avoiding the hours around high tide, when waves may splash onto or over the breakwater. A helpful tide chart is available here. (hyperlink to https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=8415490)
History of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
The Breakwater
Many ask us if the breakwater was built to connect the lighthouse to the land. The breakwater was actually built first. In the 1850s several severe nor’easters caused considerable damage to many Rockland waterfront structures, businesses, and ships in the harbor. The lack of a protective breakwater prevented the harbor from realizing its potential as a commercial port and a harbor of refuge for coastal shipping. Despite citizen petitions and intervention by a local Senator, Congress did not approve the construction of a breakwater until 1880.
The original plan called for two breakwaters to be built – one portion extending 1,900 feet from the shore at Jameson Point and the other portion extending 2,640 feet from South Ledge back towards the point. The cost estimate for the project was $500,000.
As early as 1886, discussions among those responsible for the project considered changing the original two-breakwater design in favor of a single, long breakwater. The single breakwater plan was approved in 1890 and was completed on November 24, 1899. Severe winter storms during the winter of 1899-1900 proved that the height needed to be increased. A four-foot-high cap was completed on October 15, 1901, and included the base for a lighthouse to be built. A total of 768,774 tons of stone were used for the project, total expenditure up to that point was $880,093.
THE BEACON
The breakwater became a hazard to navigation and as a temporary measure, until the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse was built, a beacon was placed at the end of the breakwater. The original light was a “fixed white lens lantern, 18 feet above the breakwater. This lantern hung on an iron crane on top of a stone beacon, 24 feet above sea level.” On August 15, 1892, the beacon was changed to two red lanterns, spaced six feet apart, one above the other placed on a mast atop the stone pillar. In 1895, the beacon was further improved by providing a six-by-six-foot building at the base of the mast.
The lighthouse was tended by a keeper and assistant keeper from the time the lighthouse was completed in 1902 until 1965 when the Coast Guard automated the light and fog signal. The current navigation light is a VRB-25 lens, located 39 feet above sea level, with a white light that flashes every 5 seconds. The light has a visible range of 17 nautical miles (20 statute miles).
We need your help!
The January 2024 winter storms inflicted significant damage to the seaward side of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which is owned by the City of Rockland. FEMA may help with some repair costs, but those of us who love our iconic lighthouse can pitch in, too. We want to re-open the lighthouse as soon as possible.
Donate directly using the PayPal link below
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