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Portland Head Lighthouse

Fl WRG 4s🇺🇸Southern Maine, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Portland Head Lighthouse

Construction of Portland Head Light was completed in 1791. The tower reaches 24 meters in height, with its light positioned 31 meters above sea level. It displays a white, red, and green light. The lighthouse remains operational.

Why it matters: This structure is recognized as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WRG 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WRG
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1791
Heritage Status
Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q2105159 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24.38m

Location

City
Southern Maine
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
43.6232°
Longitude
-70.2079°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Portland Head Lighthouse at night?+
Portland Head displays the characteristic Fl WRG 4s — 1 wrg flash every 4 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The wrg color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Portland Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Portland Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portland at 2.6 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Portland (3.2 NM NW), SCARBOROUGH (7.2 NM SW), YARMOUTH (10.5 NM N), COOKS LOBSTER HOUSE (12.1 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Portland Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Portland Head Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Portland Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Portland Head Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.