Wood Island Light, Coastal lighthouse in York County, Maine.
Wood Island Light is a granite lighthouse standing on the eastern shore of Wood Island, with a conical tower approximately 14 meters tall that displays alternating green and white light signals. The structure sits at an exposed location and continues to serve as a navigation aid for maritime traffic in the area.
Construction of this lighthouse was ordered by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808, placing it among the oldest navigation aids in New England. Over two centuries, the structure has guided vessels along Maine's coast and witnessed the evolution of maritime activity.
This beacon holds meaning for local communities as a symbol of Maine's maritime past and the seafaring traditions that shaped the region. Organizations dedicated to its preservation help keep its story connected to visitors today.
The lighthouse is best viewed from the southern section of SR-208 near Biddeford Pool, where a walking trail maintained by the Audubon organization leads to an observation area. The clearest views occur during daylight hours, especially when weather conditions allow the structure to stand out against the coastal landscape.
In the late 1800s, a lighthouse keeper's dog named Sailor would use his teeth to ring the fog bell as a greeting to passing ships, becoming a local legend. This unusual animal ritual added character to daily operations at this coastal station.
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