Marshall Point Lighthouse, located at the tip of the St. George Peninsula in Port Clyde, Maine, is a beloved maritime landmark. Built in 1832, this lighthouse has served as a vital navigational aid for vessels entering Port Clyde Harbor.
The station gained additional fame when it appeared in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Today, it remains an active light maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, with the surrounding grounds open to the public for exploration and scenic enjoyment.
History of Marshall Point Lighthouse
The original lighthouse at Marshall Point was constructed in 1832, consisting of a 20-foot rubblestone tower topped with seven lard oil lamps and 14-inch reflectors. By the mid-19th century, the station was in poor condition, prompting Congress to allocate $5,000 for a new lighthouse. In 1857, the current tower was completed, standing 31 feet tall with a granite lower half and a brick upper portion, equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens.
A keeper’s dwelling was also built in 1857, but by the late 19th century, it had deteriorated significantly. In 1895, it was replaced with the Colonial Revival-style wood-framed dwelling that still stands today. Over the years, Marshall Point Lighthouse underwent multiple updates, including the installation of a fog bell in 1898, conversion to electricity in 1935, and automation in 1971.
The station remained an important navigation aid, and the Town of St. George took over management of the grounds in 1986, working to preserve its historical significance.
Marshall Point Lighthouse Architecture and Design
Marshall Point Lighthouse is a striking cylindrical tower standing 31 feet tall, with a distinct black lantern room. The base of the tower is constructed from granite, while the upper section is made of brick. A wooden catwalk, added in 1857, connects the tower to the mainland, allowing for easy access from the keeper’s house. The keeper’s dwelling, built in 1895, showcases Colonial Revival architecture, featuring a gambrel roof and a classic New England aesthetic.
Initially equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse transitioned to an automated plastic optic system in 1971. The original fog bell, first installed in 1898 and later replaced by a fog horn in 1969, has since been restored and is displayed on-site.
Location and Surroundings
Marshall Point Lighthouse is located in the fishing village of Port Clyde, at the southernmost tip of the St. George Peninsula. Overlooking both Muscongus Bay and Penobscot Bay, the lighthouse offers breathtaking ocean views, rugged coastal scenery, and an abundance of seabirds. Nearby attractions include the Wyeth Art Gallery, the Port Clyde General Store, and Monhegan Island, which can be reached by ferry.
Visiting Marshall Point Lighthouse
With a connected museum, Marshall Point Lighthouse is the perfect stop for any lighthouse aficionado. Learn more below.
Getting There
Marshall Point Lighthouse is accessible via Route 131 south from Thomaston, Maine. Upon reaching Port Clyde, visitors should follow Marshall Point Road to the lighthouse parking area. Free parking is available on-site.
Visiting Hours
The lighthouse grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum, located in the 1895 keeper’s house, operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples Day. Hours vary, typically running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
Admission
Admission to both the lighthouse grounds and the museum is free, though donations are encouraged to support preservation efforts.
Guided Tours
While the lighthouse tower itself is not open to the public, the museum offers self-guided exhibits detailing the history of the station, the lives of its keepers, and local maritime industries such as lobstering and shipbuilding.
Visitor Guidelines
- Stay on designated paths and respect all barriers to preserve the historic site.
- Refrain from climbing on the lighthouse or walkway.
- Be cautious of tides and slippery rocks along the coastline.
- Dispose of trash properly and respect the natural surroundings.
Plan Your Visit
Marshall Point Lighthouse is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, lighthouse lovers, and photographers. Its scenic location, historical exhibits, and connection to Forrest Gump make it a unique and memorable destination. Whether visiting for a leisurely stroll, a history lesson, or a breathtaking view of Maine’s coastline, this lighthouse offers an experience rich in maritime heritage and natural beauty.