Franklin Island Light

Franklin Island Light is a brick tower standing at the entrance to Muscongus Bay in Maine, serving as a navigation marker for vessels in the area. The structure rises from the water and provides a visual reference point for boats traveling through these waters.

The lighthouse was built in 1805 after Congress authorized funds to improve navigation safety in this region. Its construction was a response to the hazards posed by the rocks surrounding the island to passing ships.

The lighthouse takes its name from the island where it stands, a location that has served as a crucial reference point for maritime navigation along this coast. Visitors sailing past recognize this structure as part of the maritime infrastructure that shaped Maine's seafaring traditions.

The island is not open to the public from April through July, as it functions as a protected wildlife area during nesting season. Visitors should respect this closure to avoid disturbing the local bird populations.

The site also functions as an important bird sanctuary where seabirds come to nest and breed in significant numbers. This dual role as both a navigation aid and a protected wildlife area makes it a distinctive location along the coast.

Location: Knox County

Inception: 1805

Height: 14 m

GPS coordinates: 43.89206,-69.37461

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20