Portland Head Light is a landmark in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and a filming location for Snow Falling on Cedars (1999) and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2018). Built in 1787-1791, it was designed by Jonathan Bryant and John Nichols (masons), and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine, United States
Verified facts
- Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-11651, SRC-11652, SRC-13687 - Appeared in Snow Falling on Cedars (movie, 1999)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-11651, SRC-11652, SRC-13688 - Appeared in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (tv, 2018)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-11651, SRC-11652, SRC-13400 - Built 1787–1791
confidence 85/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-11651, SRC-16566, SRC-17284 - Designed by Jonathan Bryant and John Nichols (masons)
confidence 85/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-11651, SRC-16565, SRC-17285 - Historic designation: National Register of Historic Places (added April 24, 1973, ref. 73000121); National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (2002)
confidence 85/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-11651, SRC-16565, SRC-17284
Evidence & sources
- SRC-11651 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Head_Light (Tier 1, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-11652 — https://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=546 (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-13400 — WCYY (Maine radio station) (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-13687 — Portland Head Light official website (Museum at Portland Head Light, Town of Cape Elizabeth) (Tier 1, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-13688 — IMDb — Snow Falling on Cedars (1999) Filming & production locations (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-16565 — https://www.maine.gov/mhpc/did-you-know/portland-head-light-1791-cape-elizabeth-cumberland-county (Tier 1, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-16566 — https://buildingsofnewengland.com/2021/02/23/portland-head-light-1791/ (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-17284 — https://unitedstateslighthouses.com/explore-us-lighthouses/east-coast-lighthouses/portland-head-ligh (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
- SRC-17285 — https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=546 (Tier 2, reference; retrieved July 2026)
How we verify
Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. filmed?
Portland Head Light, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is a real-world filming location used for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. This property has also appeared on screen in Snow Falling on Cedars.
Where was Snow Falling on Cedars filmed?
Portland Head Light, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is a real-world filming location used for Snow Falling on Cedars. This property has also appeared on screen in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Who designed Portland Head Light?
Portland Head Light was designed by Jonathan Bryant and John Nichols (masons).
Where is Portland Head Light located?
Portland Head Light is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.