Had South Thomaston had its way, the Breakwater would have been accessed from Owls Head instead of Rockland. Until 1821, Owls Head was a part of South Thomaston. As Rockland fought to secure funding and approval for a much-needed barrier against the harsh ocean waves, South Thomaston rivaled the claim. 

However, Rockland residents petitioned in earnest, using their growing reputation as a force in the lime industry. Fifty years of discussions between Rockland and the United States government began in 1835 and continued as strong winds and flood tides continued to devastate shoreline property. 

In 1879, “The lighthouse keeper at Owls Head recorded 21,539 ships passing his station in or out of Rockland Harbor,” according to Shore Village Story (pg. 336).

And that was only during the daylight hours. Additional estimates of night time transportation increased the overall total closer to 30,000. 

What resulted was 700,000 tons of granite laid in nine sections between April 1881 and November 1899, stretching 4,346 feet from Jameson Point starting point (204.5 feet beyond high water).

It measured 43 feet wide at the top surface, was 175 feet wide at the base, and was 65 feet high.

Total stone: 697,627 tons at a cost of $470,529.17, not including labor, contracts, inspectors, lighthouse keepers, or incidental materials.