Whaleback Light, Maritime lighthouse at Piscataqua River mouth, Kittery, United States
Whaleback Light is a granite lighthouse at the mouth of Piscataqua River in Kittery, standing approximately 50 feet (15 meters) tall with a white tower topped with black trim. The structure sits on a rocky island near Wood Island and is maintained by preservation organizations to ensure its continued operation.
The original lighthouse was built in 1830, but was replaced in 1872 with the current stone structure to improve navigation reliability. Automated systems were added in the 1960s to modernize operations and enhance safety for passing vessels.
The lighthouse served as a vital waypoint for ships navigating these waters and reflects how communities monitored coastal traffic over time. Today it stands as a reminder of human efforts to guide vessels safely through this busy passage.
The lighthouse sits on a rocky island and can only be viewed from the water or specific vantage points along the shore. Keep in mind that access to the island is generally not permitted, but the structure is clearly visible from boat tours in the area.
The lighthouse takes its name from the shape of the rocky island where it stands, which resembles the back of a whale. This unusual geographic feature made the location distinctly recognizable to sailors navigating these waters.
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