Gouldsboro, Maine

Prospect Harbor Lighthouse, situated on a picturesque shallow rocky peninsula at the entrance to Prospect Harbor in Maine, is a beacon of maritime history.

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About This Location

Prospect Harbor Lighthouse, situated on a picturesque shallow rocky peninsula at the entrance to Prospect Harbor in Maine, is a beacon of maritime history and coastal charm. The lighthouse station consists of a distinctive conical tower and a separate keeper's house, with a stone gable-roofed oil house located a short distance to the north.

The history of Prospect Harbor Lighthouse dates back to its authorization by Congress in 1847, with its official commissioning in 1850. The original lighthouse station featured a granite conical tower and a granite keeper's dwelling. The primary purpose of this lighthouse was to aid vessels in navigating the waters in and around Prospect Harbor, serving as a crucial marker for boats in the area. However, after only about a decade of operation, Congress questioned the necessity of the lighthouse due to the limited number of boats, minimal trade, and the absence of its use as a harbor of refuge. Consequently, in 1859, the lighthouse was discontinued.

After a decade of being inactive, the lighthouse was restored, repaired, and reactivated in 1870, as Congress recognized the importance of the beacon for the safe passage of ships entering and departing Prospect Harbor. Despite these efforts, the condition of the original granite lighthouse continued to deteriorate. In 1891, a new wooden conical tower replaced the old structure. The 1890s also saw the addition of a new barn, keeper's dwelling, oil house, boathouse, and boat slip, which further enhanced the functionality and convenience of the station.

Prospect Harbor Lighthouse received the prestigious designation of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 1988. This recognition is a testament to the lighthouse's historical significance and architectural value. Its reference number on the National Register is 88000151.

In May 2000, the Coast Guard faced budget cuts and contemplated the closure and sale of Prospect Harbor Lighthouse. Fortunately, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the American Lighthouse Foundation, which assumed responsibility for the preservation and stewardship of the structures while the Coast Guard continued its maritime operations. Over the years, the American Lighthouse Foundation has undertaken significant repairs and maintenance to ensure the lighthouse's continued existence.

Today, Prospect Harbor Lighthouse stands in good condition, a proud sentinel of the coast. The lighthouse stands 38 feet tall, with a focal height of 42 feet, and emits a distinctive red light once every 6 seconds, featuring two white sectors. Its light range extends up to 9 nautical miles, guiding mariners safely along the coast.

To view the lighthouse, it is best to pull over along Lighthouse Point Road to view the lighthouse from about a hundred yards away. There is also a dirt parking area on Main Street which can be used to view the lighthouse across the Inner Harbor. Direct access to the lighthouse is restricted due to the adjacent Coast Guard Base, which is secured with gates that prevent public entry onto the peninsula. However, there are sailing tours and plane rides available that offer different perspectives and opportunities to admire the beauty and historical significance of Prospect Harbor Lighthouse from afar.

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Locations

Address:
190 Lighthouse Point Road, Gouldsboro, Maine

GPS Coordinates:
44.403250, -68.012833
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
The lighthouse is located within a naval station that is often closed off via a gate. It is best to pull over along Lighthouse Point Road to view the lighthouse from about a hundred yards away. There is also a dirt parking area on Main Street which can be used to view the lighthouse across the Inner Harbor.

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