Portsmouth Harbor Light
Portsmouth Harbor Light, 1771 lighthouse in New Castle, US
Description
Portsmouth Harbor Light is a cast iron lighthouse standing about 14.5 meters tall at Fort Constitution, located where the Piscataqua River meets the harbor entrance in New Hampshire. The structure contains optical equipment that helps guide vessels into port safely.
History
This light dates to 1771 and was built as harbor traffic grew along the New Hampshire coast. The nearby fort saw significant activity during the early years of American independence.
Culture
The light marks a vital point in the region's maritime identity and shows how the harbor entrance has shaped local navigation for generations. Visitors can observe how it stands integrated with the fort's layout and understand its role in the area's coastal life.
Practical
The site sits on an island near New Castle and is best reached by walking around the fort grounds or by water access to nearby areas. Visiting during daylight is best for viewing the structure and understanding its relationship to the surrounding harbor landscape.
Did you know?
The light signal changes from white to green through a specialized acrylic cylinder, which helps ships identify their location during night navigation. This optical adjustment was an early innovation in improving harbor safety.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (New Castle).
New Hampshire reveals a land where the White Mountains have shaped the skyline for millennia. Between northern coniferous forests and southeastern Atlantic coasts, this New England state features waterfalls cascading over granite, glacial passes carved 15,000 years ago, and industrial villages...
Portsmouth Naval Prison
1.9 km
Fort William and Mary
139 m
Odiorne Point State Park
3.1 km
Fort McClary
1.3 km
Memorial Bridge
3.7 km
Fort Stark
1.5 km
Bray House
1.4 km
Fort Foster
1.5 km
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
2.7 km
Whaleback Light
1.7 km
Prescott Park
3.6 km
Wentworth-Gardner House
3.4 km
Lady Pepperrell House
1.3 km
First Congregational Church and Parsonage
1.3 km
William Pepperrell House
1.4 km
John Paul Jones Memorial Park
3.8 km
Mark Wentworth House
3.7 km
Gerrish Warehouse
1.4 km
Rice Public Library
3.3 km
General Porter House
3.7 km
South Meetinghouse
3.6 km
William Dean Howells House
1.1 km
Kittery Community Center
3.7 km
Samuel Badger Monument
3.4 km
Mark F. and Eliza J. Wentworth House
3.3 km
Haven-White House
3.8 km
Shapley Town House
3.7 km
Robert and Louisa Traip House
3.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes