The lightship Portland is shown in Portland Harbor in 1927. Lightships were moored in places dangerous to navigation and equipped with warning lights.

This lightship was the last wood-hull lightship built by the Lighthouse Service in 1902. The Portland Lightship Station was active from 1903 to 1971 and marked approaches to Portland Harbor about five miles southeast from Cape Elizabeth.

The station was named "Cape Elizabeth" from 1903 to 1912 when its name was changed to "Portland."

The Portland was outfitted with a submarine bell signal in 1912. Acetylene lens lanterns were mounted on both masts in 1919, and in 1926 a radio was installed. LV 74 (Light Vessel 74) was in service from 1903 to 1931.

At the time this photograph was taken Asbury A. Hannah was mate and George K. Martin was master.

She was retired from lightship duty in 1933.