Deer Isle, Maine

Nestled just off the coast of Deer Isle, Maine, Pumpkin Island Lighthouse stands as a historic beacon with a rich maritime legacy. It was established in 1854.

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About This Location

Pumpkin Island Lighthouse: Guiding Mariners Through Eggemoggin Reach

Nestled just off the coast of Deer Isle, Maine, Pumpkin Island Lighthouse stands as a historic beacon with a rich maritime legacy. Established in 1854, this lighthouse guards the northwestern entrance to Eggemoggin Reach, playing a crucial role in guiding vessels safely through these treacherous waters.

A Navigational Necessity

The idea for Pumpkin Island Lighthouse was first proposed by the United States Coast Survey in 1852. Navigating Eggemoggin Reach, a vital route for traders and coasting vessels, posed significant challenges, especially during nighttime passages. A lighthouse on Pumpkin Island promised to enhance navigational safety and significantly benefit maritime traffic in the area.

A Gifted Island

To bring this vision to life, Congress allocated funding in 1852. However, acquiring Pumpkin Island proved to be a challenging endeavor. Eventually, John Chester Tibbetts, the island's owner and a sea captain, made the generous decision to relinquish the island for the construction of the lighthouse. Captain Tibbetts would go on to become the lighthouse's inaugural keeper.

A Tower of Stone

Constructed in 1854, Pumpkin Island Lighthouse was built of sturdy stone, standing 25 feet tall from base to light, with a focal height of approximately 28 feet. Its fifth-order Fresnel lens, in ideal weather conditions, could cast its light up to nine nautical miles away. This vital light was first kindled on January 1, 1855. The lighthouse tower boasts two windows and connects to the keeper's dwelling via a framework room on the south side. The single-story wood-frame clapboarded keeper's home features three bays. A small brick oil house stands nearby, while a wood-frame boathouse, initially constructed in 1885 and expanded in 1906, can be found near the north end of the island's boat slip. Over the ensuing decades, numerous repairs and additions were made to the lighthouse and its associated structures.

Shrouded in Privacy

In 1933, the light was extinguished and the lighthouse decommissioned. It subsequently changed hands into private ownership, where it remains today, shrouded in the serenity of seclusion. The tower endures, accompanied by its fellow structures, marking a piece of maritime history that has weathered the test of time.

A Place of Honor

Pumpkin Island Lighthouse received a well-deserved honor when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 1, 1988. It's reference number is 87002537. This recognition signifies its enduring historical and architectural significance and ensures its legacy lives on. The lighthouse may not be a bustling tourist destination, but it holds a special place in the hearts of photographers in the know.

A Lighthouse of Scenic Beauty

While Pumpkin Island Lighthouse may not be a popular tourist hotspot, it offers a serene beauty cherished by those who discover it. For the best views, visitors can approach by water, whether in a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. However, for landlubbers without watercraft, a small landing awaits at the end of Eggemoggin Road in the village of Little Deer Isle, where they can park and enjoy the sight of this historic maritime icon.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
Pumpkin Island, Deer Isle, Maine

GPS Coordinates:
44.309116, -68.742936
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
The lighthouse can be best seen from a small landing at the end of Eggemoggin Road on Little Deer Isle. There are a few parking spots at the landing.

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