Whitehead Light, Maritime lighthouse in Knox County, Maine
Whitehead Light is a granite lighthouse tower located on Whitehead Island that marks the southwestern entrance to Penobscot Bay. The tower stands 12 meters tall and emits a bright signal light to guide and warn passing ships.
Construction of the lighthouse was authorized in 1804 by President Thomas Jefferson, making it the third oldest operating lighthouse in Maine. The current tower was built in 1852 to replace the original structure.
The lighthouse complex includes a keeper's house, oil house, and fog signal building that show how early American lighthouse keepers lived and worked. Visitors can see how these structures functioned together to support maritime navigation.
Pine Island Camp manages the property and offers weekend stays and educational retreats, while the Coast Guard maintains the navigation light. Access to the island is only by boat, so plan your visit during good weather conditions.
The tower was designed by Alexander Parris, an architect who created several lighthouses along the New England coast. His designs became known for their elegant simplicity and have influenced American lighthouse architecture for generations.
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