Description: From 1881 to 1899 a breakwater was built from the northern shore of Rockland Harbor to protect the harbor from Nor'easters. The breakwater was almost a mile long, and extended nearly halfway across the entrance to the harbor. A temporary light was placed at the end of the breakwater as it slowly grew out into the harbor. Finally, in 1902 a permanent lighthouse was constructed at the end of the completed breakwater.

The lighthouse was automated in 1965, and was slated for destruction in 1973. The Samoset Resort stepped in to save the lighthouse from destruction and was responsible for maintaining the structure for several years. In 1998, the lighthouse was transferred to the City of Rockland under the Maine Lights Program. The Friends of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse was formed in August of 1999 as a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. The city leased the lighthouse to the group, who has made significant strides in restoring the lighthouse.

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Location: Located at the end of the breakwater in Rockland Harbor.
Latitude: 44.104041
Longitude: -69.077545

For a larger map of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, click the lighthouse in the above map or get a map from: Mapquest.

Travel Instructions: From Highway 1 just north of downtown Rockland, turn east on Waldo Avenue and drive a half mile to Samoset Road. Turn right on Samoset and follow it for 0.6 miles to its end at the foot of the breakwater. You can walk the 0.8 mile breakwater to get a close-up view of the light. The lighthouse is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, holidays, and other special event days from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, weather and volunteer availability permitting. Call (207) 785-4609 for more information.

The state ferries bound for Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Matinicus Island provide good opportunities to photograph the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is owned by the City of Rockland but is leased to Friends of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. Dwelling/tower open in season.

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Notes from a friend:

Kraig writes:

It would be prudent to watch the weather if you decide to walk the breakwater out to the lighthouse. We managed the walk out to the lighthouse quite well, but it must have been near high tide as a wind kicked up and water was sweeping over the breakwater for our return trip. We were wet above our knees, but managed to make it back to land safely.

See our List of Lighthouses in Maine