Cape Elizabeth, Maine: 1886 Shipwreck at the Head Light
During an 1886 Christmas eve snowstorm, the Annie C. Maguire smashed against the rocks directly in front of the photogenic Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse. The spot is marked with hand-painted letters on a rock.
Fort Williams Park
- Address:
- 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME
- Directions:
- I-295 Rt. 77 south to South Portland. Left on Broadway, right on Cottage Rd/Shore Rd to Fort Williams Park.
- Hours:
- Sunrise-sunset. Gated after hours. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 207-799-2661
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Visitor Tips and News About 1886 Shipwreck at the Head Light
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To see the lettering on the rocks noting the shipwreck, look to the right of the lighthouse.
[Cheryl B, 09/14/2022]The lighthouse is incredible to see in its own right. Also had food trucks onsite for an easy and delicious bite.
[Alli, 06/29/2021]
Beautiful lighthouse at sunrise...
[vettechjen, 09/04/2019]
Painted reminder of the shipwreck that happened just off shore of the Portland Headlight.
[Barbara Henderson, 04/10/2014]An 1886 Christmas eve snowstorm helped send the Annie C. Maguire into the rocks directly in front of the photogenic Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse.
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Beautiful enough to make us momentarily forget... the horrible shipwreck of 1886.