Bug Light, seen with the adjoining breakwater at the entrance to Portland's harbor in South Portland, was built after a powerful storm destroyed wharves and buildings in Portland in 1831.

Building of the breakwater began in 1837, but without a lighthouse marking its endpoint, it became a navigational danger to ships.

The original lighthouse was added in 1855, moved, improved upon and the present-day lighthouse was completed in 1875 and known as "Bug Light."