History/Info:
Also known at the Fort Point or Fort Constitution lighthouse, the first light here was constructed in 1771. It consisted of a lamp hoisted up a flag pole. The present-day iron tower, located 1,000 feet from the original light, was constructed in 1877. It was refurbished in 1977. The lighthouse also carries great historical significance when in 1774, colonists overpowered the British garrison, named Fort William and Mary, and confiscated military supplies. The act is considered the first overt act of the Revolutionary War.

Source: seacoastonline.com

Hours:
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR 2003:(All are Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19. For more information go to the webpage for the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse at http://lighthouse.cc/portsmouth/

Personal Note:
If you're in the Portsmouth area when one of the open houses is happening, you can't pass it up. It's well worth it.

Latitude/Longitude: 43°04'N 70°43'W

Directions: click here for overview map     click here for detailed map #1     click here for detailed map #1

• From Route 1 in downtown Portsmouth take Route 1A SOUTH.
• Follow Route 1A south until you get to Route 1B on your left. The road is called Wentworth Road.
• Take Route 1B/Wentworth Rd. appx. 2.3 miles. The road will go sharply to the left. There should be signs for Fort Constitution and the Coast Guard base.
• Also, about 1/2 mile before the fort on the right should be a sign for Great Island Common. You can go there to view Portsmouth Harbor Light as well as Whaleback light.