A fitting name as it is halfway
between Cape Small and
Cape Elizabeth in Casco Bay.
It is a barren three acre rocky ledge
and is about 11 miles northeast of
Portland Head in a busy shipping lane.
All around Halfway Rock are
very dangerous and treacherous ledges.
The building of the light was begun in 1870
but with bad weather and delayed funding
the 66 foot granite tower was
not completed until 1871.
The first tower held a third order
Fresnel lens and was housing
for the keeper's also.
In 1887 a 43 foot bell tower was
built near the lighthouse,
with a raised walkway that connected
the lighthouse and bell tower.
A boathouse with the keepers
quarters was built in 1888.
A new keeper's house was built in 1960
and in 1961 a new boathouse and
a helicopter landing pad was built.
The light station was badly damaged
by storms in 1962 and in 1972
another storm washed away outbuildings
and equipment and the crew had
to be evactuated by helicopter.
In 1975 the light was automated,
but all the buildings except the
lighthouse and the entryway have
been destroyed by storms.
