The Original Lighthouse
IN september of 1858 the chief harbour master Captain Ferguson advised the government of the necessity for a lighthouse in the vacinity of Portland Harbour even for shipping which was just passing even though tey may not require it to locate Portland Harbour. A coast light was also required at either Cape Bridgewater or Cape Nelson as well as the entrance to the Port of Portland.
In 1859 a lighthouse was erected in Portland at Observatory Point. The lighthouse was accompanied by a Keepers Cottage and other associated buildings. The completed lighthouse was permantely lit from 1st September 1859. It was a Fourth Cross Catadioptic which was lit every night from sunset to dawn. It was just a fixed red light which could be viewed from a distance of 13 nautical miles in clear weather.
To lessen the confusion the light on the seaward end of the harbour Jetty was altered from a red light to a green light.
There were two lighthouse keepers associated with this lighthoue. The first John Eastman who remained till his death in August 1881 then George Lafayette Barton.
Relocation of the Lighthouse
In 1889 it was deemed necessary to build a Fort on Observery Hill so in 1890 the lighthouse and all buildings were dismantled and moved stone by stone to Whalers Bluff and re erected. In 1934 the lighthouse was installed with a new elecrtic light of 60 watts.
Present Day
The light house todat is painted white with a red cap. It stands 40.5 metres above sea level and is visable for 15 nautical miles. The light group flashes white and red every 10 seconds. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are open to the public. The tower itself has no public access.
