Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Maine Postcard
From the Lighthouses of The Atlantic Seaboard Collection
The Pemaquid Point Light Station is a historic U.S. lighthouse located in Bristol, Maine, at the tip of the Pemaquid Peninsula.
The lighthouse was commissioned in 1827 by John Quincy Adams and built that year. Due to poor workmanship (salt water was used in the mortar mix), the lighthouse began to crumble and was replaced in 1835. The second contract for the construction stipulated that only fresh water be used. Keeper Isaac Dunham oversaw the construction and wrote in a letter to the US Lighthouse Establishment that the agreement was upheld and the work went well.
The original light was an Argand-Lewis parabolic reflector, lit with candles and with a visibility of 2 miles. Augustin Fresnel invented a superior way of focusing light in the early 1850s and most lighthouses in the US were converted to the Fresnel Lens, with Pemaquid Point receiving a fourth order Fresnel in 1856. The lens is one of only six Fresnel lenses still in service in Maine. The keeper's house was built in 1857.
Marcus A. Hanna, the only man ever awarded both the Medal of Honor (earned during Civil War for bravery on July 4, 1863 [5]) and the Gold Lifesaving Medal (for rescuing life on 28 January 1885 at Cape Elizabeth, once served as keeper of the light. The station was automated in 1934.
By popular vote of Maine residents, the lighthouse was chosen to be featured on the Maine quarter, the 23rd in the 50 State Quarters Program issued by the U.S. Mint. Also depicted is a 3-masted schooner intended to resemble the Victory Chimes. Exposed bedrock descends from the lighthouse to the ocean creating a unique, scenic landscape. The geological history of these formations dates back hundreds of millions of years. These imposing structures have made this lighthouse with its setting one of the most photographed on the Maine coast.
In addition to the image found on the state quarter, an image of Pemaquid Point lighthouse is featured as a possible background in Windows 7.
The lighthouse is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and is licensed to the American Lighthouse Foundation.
The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Pemaquid Point Light on April 16, 1985, reference number 85000843.
Approximate size is 4.75" X 6.25"
Uncirculated Postcard From Large Collection
Any marking or conditions can be clearly seen in the photo's.
All Postcard Images have been scanned.
Any wavy lines or color splotches on cards are scanner induced and not actual.
See card photo's for actual description.
Consider purchasing more than one Post Card. All additional cards ship for free with the first in the same transaction. Can not be combined with any other category purchases at the discounted rate.
See More Postcard Categories below:
