Portsmouth Harbor Light, 1771 lighthouse in New Castle, US
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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