Goat Island Light, Lighthouse at Cape Porpoise Harbor, Maine, United States
Goat Island Light is a lighthouse on the southern shore of Cape Porpoise Harbor in Maine, featuring a white cylindrical tower topped with a black lantern that rises about 7.5 meters (25 feet) high. An L-shaped wooden keeper's house from 1859 connects to the tower via a covered walkway, forming an integrated operational complex.
Congress authorized construction of a navigation aid in 1833, and the first tower began operation in 1835 to guide vessels safely into the harbor. The keeper's residence was added in 1859, reflecting how the station grew and evolved to better support its operational needs.
The name comes from goats that once grazed on the island, shaping its early identity as a working landscape. Visitors on boat tours can observe how keepers lived in the connected dwellings while managing the light station.
The lighthouse is viewable from the mainland near State Route 9 north of Kennebunkport, and boat tours provide closer access to observe the structures and harbor setting. Plan your visit during calm weather and good visibility to appreciate the details and surrounding landscape.
The keeper's house connects to the tower through a covered walkway, a practical design that sheltered residents from harsh coastal weather. This direct link between living quarters and workplace was a thoughtful arrangement that reflected the demands of lighthouse keeping.
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