Ram Island Ledge Light facts for kids
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| Ram Island Ledge Light | |
 Ram Island Ledge Light
Location in Maine
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| Location | Portland Harbor, Casco bay |
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| Coordinates | 43°37′53.3″N 70°11′14.5″W / 43.631472°N 70.187361°W |
| Year first constructed | 1905 |
| Year first lit | 1905 |
| Automated | 1959 |
| Foundation | Natural/emplaced |
| Construction | Granite blocks |
| Tower shape | conical |
| Markings / pattern | Natural (light gray) with black lantern |
| Focal height | |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing (2) White 6s |
| Fog signal | HORN: 1 every 10s |
Ram Island Ledge Light is a lighthouse in Casco Bay, Maine, United States. It helps ships find their way into Portland Harbor. The light marks the northern end of the main channel.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
The Ram Island Ledges are rocky areas in the water near Cushing Island. Some of these rocks stick out of the water. In 1855, an iron pole was put up to warn sailors about these dangerous underwater rocks.
However, ships kept crashing on the ledge. On February 24, 1900, a large ship called the Californian ran aground there. It was on its way from Portland to Glasgow, Scotland. Because of this accident, the United States Congress decided to pay for a lighthouse to be built.
Building the Lighthouse
Construction of the lighthouse began on May 1, 1903. It was finished in 1905. This lighthouse looks very similar to the Graves Light near Boston.
The lighthouse was built using granite stones. These stones were taken from a quarry in Vinalhaven, Maine. When it was first built, the lighthouse used a special Fresnel lens. This type of lens helps make the light very bright and focused.
Modern Changes
In 1958, electricity was added to the lighthouse. The next year, in 1959, the lighthouse became "automated." This means it could run by itself without people living there to operate it.
In January 2001, the light was changed to run on solar power. This uses energy from the sun. On March 14, 1988, the Ram Island Ledge Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical sites in the United States.
Lighthouse Sale
In July 2010, the Ram Island Ledge Light was put up for sale. The starting price was $10,000. Before this, it was offered for free to government groups and schools. But no one showed interest.
So, it was offered to the public. A surgeon from Windham, Maine bought the lighthouse for $190,000. People noted he looked a lot like Beaker, a famous Muppet character!
Images for kids
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Ram Island Ledge Light
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The Ram Island Ledge Light is visible from the Portland Head Light
