Among these were cost overruns and design flaws. These two structures were estimated to cost a total of $500,000.Īnd so construction began, but not without the typical problems that accompany such projects even today. Both breakwaters were to rise five feet above mean low water and both were to be 10 feet wide at the top. The other was to begin at South Ledge and project 2,640 feet back toward Jameson Point. One section was to extend 1,900 feet from shore at Jameson Point. The plan called for a two-part breakwater. The sum of money enumerated in the original appropriation was, of course, totally inadequate, but it was a beginning. Army, stated: “The object of this appropriation, so far as can be ascertained, was the building of a rubble-stone breakwater for the protection of the harbor against easterly storms to which it is much exposed…” Small Beginnings That year, the Report of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. The sum of $20,000 was appropriated for this purpose. This petition stalled for decades, finally winning approval in 1880. In the mid-1800’s, spurred by storm-related damage to its waterfront, Rockland lobbied Congress to build a breakwater. The need for protection from damaging seas that accompanied the powerful nor’easters that struck from time to time became apparent early on. These and other industries such as granite and the ice business relied upon Rockland Harbor as a direct link to the outside world. Because of its intimate connection with limestone, or “limerock,” East Thomaston became “Rockland” in 1850.Īlong with shipping and shipbuilding, Rockland was home to a commercial fishing fleet. Schooners, operating out of Rockland delivered lime up and down the east coast as well as to offshore locations. Shipping went hand-in-hand with the lime industry. And, of course, the Dragon Cement plant in South Thomaston continues on, providing employment for many Mainers. Limerock Street in Rockland pretty much says it all. Relics of the early days of this industry remain today in the form of widely-scattered limestone quarries, lime kilns (furnaces for heating limestone in order to convert it to useable lime) and even street names. Trade and industry quickly grew, among which was the limestone industry. Present-day Rockland was known by colonists who settled here after hostilities between England and France ended with the conclusion of the French and Indian War, as “Shore Village.” The name changed in the early 1800s when Shore Village became “East Thomaston.” Steps toward the present incarnation of breakwater and light that we see today began in the early 19th century with construction of a seawall, tiny by comparison to the present breakwater. The nearly mile-long Rockland Breakwater, along with the red-brick lighthouse and attached, wood-frame keepers dwelling, are the end result of a lengthy process. The nearly mile long Rockland Breakwater with brick lighthouse and keepers dwelling.
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