About This Location
Perched proudly on the eastern edge of Wood Island in Saco Bay, Maine, Wood Island Lighthouse is a beacon of maritime history and a vital navigational aid. This historic lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the entrance to Biddeford Pool and the Saco River's estuary.
The origins of Wood Island Light date back to 1808 when President Thomas Jefferson gave the directive for its establishment. The original tower was crafted from wood and featured an octagonal design. However, in 1839, recognizing the detrimental effects of wood rot, a more resilient granite tower replaced the aging wooden structure. The present lighthouse, a stately 47-foot conical tower constructed from white granite rubble, stands proudly on Wood Island. It casts its light 71 feet above the mean high-water mark. In 1858, the tower underwent renovations to accommodate a 4th-order Fresnel lens, and it was during this time that the current keepers' quarters were built.
A significant transformation occurred in the 1960s when the original lantern room made way for an aerobeacon. However, this modernization was met with local dissent as many found the aerobeacon to be an eyesore. Consequently, when the lighthouse was automated in 1986, a new lantern room was painstakingly constructed and installed, reviving the lighthouse's classic appearance. Within this lantern room, a cutting-edge VRB-25 beacon now operates, alternating between green and white every 10 seconds.
While the United States Coast Guard continues to maintain the lighthouse's active beacon, The Friends of Wood Island Light, a non-profit organization, have played an instrumental role in preserving and enhancing the lighthouse and its keepers' accommodations. The Friends of Wood Island Light also offer lighthouse tours, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore this maritime gem. Tours take place during July and August, as well as on Maine Lighthouse Day in September, with Vine's Boat Landing in Biddeford Pool serving as the departure point.
For those admiring Wood Island Lighthouse from the mainland, the East Point Sanctuary offers the best vantage point. Conveniently located along L.B. Orcutt Boulevard in Biddeford, this sanctuary provides free parking and a picturesque perspective of this enduring historical landmark.
Wood Island Lighthouse holds a place of honor as the second-oldest lighthouse in Maine, following only the iconic Portland Head Light, and ranking as the eleventh-oldest in the United States. Its historical significance was formally recognized on January 21, 1988, when it earned its rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places as Wood Island Light Station (Reference number: 87002274). This listing underscores its pivotal role in safeguarding maritime navigation and its enduring legacy as a testament to America's rich lighthouse heritage.