New Hampshire's only mainland lighthouse has a long history and extraordinary scenery at the mouth of the Piscataqua. Visitors may now tour inside on special days.
You may know it as Fort Point Light, Fort Constitution Light or even New Castle Light, but officially it’s always been Portsmouth Harbor Light. The design of this cast iron tower was common for the time it was built (1877). It is not especially tall -- just 48 feet-- as lighthouses go. Yet its classic good looks and photogenic setting near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, just offshore from the granite walls of Fort Constitution, has landed it on the covers of countless books and guides.
Its history isn’t so shabby, either. The first lighthouse at this location, erected in 1771, was made of wood and was the 10th of eleven light stations established in the colonies before the American Revolution, and the first lighthouse north of Boston. The last official keeper of the station was Elson Small, who left in 1948. His wife Connie went on to write the popular book The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife.
The Coast Guard still maintains the active light and foghorn, but a couple of years ago they granted a license to the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) to care for the tower and to open it for the public. A chapter of ALF, the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, now holds monthly open houses from May through October. Not only do visitors get an intimate look at a 19th century structure and its lens (made in Paris), but they also get one of the best possible views of the surrounding area.
About Jeremy
For a detailed HISTORY of Portsmouth LIght see Lighthouse.cc
Copyright 2004 by Jeremy D'Entremont, New England Lighthouses
Color photos by Jeremy D'Entremont.
1880;s illustration courtesy Portsmouth Athenaeum
Calendar
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
New Castle, NH 
