Discover New Hampshire's Lights
New Hampshire may have a short coastline, but it is home to two remarkable lighthouses. These historic beacons, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and White Island Lighthouse, have guided sailors through the state’s waters for centuries. Explore the rich maritime history and scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s iconic lighthouses.
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Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
New Castle, New Hampshire
Standing at the entrance to the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse has guided sailors since 1771. The current tower, built in 1878, remains an active aid to navigation. Located at Fort Constitution in New Castle, it is a beloved landmark offering stunning coastal views and seasonal public tours.
Interactive Map: New Hampshire Lighthouses
New Hampshire's Most Popular Lighthouses
New Hampshire is home to two historic lighthouses, each with its own unique charm. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, located at Fort Constitution in New Castle, has guided ships since the 18th century and remains an active beacon. It offers seasonal tours and stunning views of the Piscataqua River.
Off the coast, White Island Lighthouse, part of the Isles of Shoals, has stood since 1820, helping sailors navigate the Atlantic waters. Though not easily accessible, it remains an iconic symbol of New Hampshire’s maritime heritage.
New Hampshire's Lighthouse History
New Hampshire’s lighthouses have guided ships along the state’s short but strategically important coastline for centuries. The first lighthouse in the state, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, was originally established in 1771 at Fort William and Mary (now Fort Constitution) in New Castle. The current tower, built in 1878, replaced earlier versions and remains an active aid to navigation.
Over the centuries, it has been upgraded with new lighting technology, including the installation of a fourth-order Fresnel lens in 1854, which significantly improved its visibility. Today, it is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, with preservation efforts led by the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses.
New Hampshire’s only offshore lighthouse, White Island Lighthouse, was built in 1820 on White Island, part of the Isles of Shoals. Exposed to the harsh elements of the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse has undergone numerous repairs and restorations over the years. Automated in 1986, it continues to serve as a navigational aid.
Though New Hampshire has just two lighthouses, both have been important players in the state’s maritime safety for centuries. Today, they remain beloved landmarks, attracting visitors and history enthusiasts eager to explore the state’s coastal heritage.
New Hampshire Lighthouse FAQs
Can you visit New Hampshire’s lighthouses?
Yes! Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle offers seasonal tours, allowing visitors to climb the tower and enjoy stunning coastal views. White Island Lighthouse, located on the Isles of Shoals, is not easily accessible to the public, but boat tours from Portsmouth provide excellent views from the water.
How many lighthouses are there in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has only two lighthouses: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, which stands at the entrance to the Piscataqua River, and White Island Lighthouse, located offshore on the Isles of Shoals. Despite the state’s small coastline, these lighthouses have played a significant role in maritime navigation for centuries.
Is Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse still active?
Yes! Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. While the historic fourth-order Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern beacon, the lighthouse continues to guide vessels entering Portsmouth Harbor. The site is also preserved by the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, who offer public tours during the warmer months.