Name and Location

The Libby Island Light is a historic lighthouse located on Libby Island in Machiasport, Washington County, Maine, USA (HJ9M+73). It has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Bay of Fundy since 1823.

Construction and History

The Libby Island Light was constructed in the early 19th century. Its distinctive tower stands at an impressive 27.7 meters (91 feet) tall, featuring a cylindrical shape with a lantern room at the top. The lighthouse has been involved in several significant historical events, including the rescue of stranded sailors and the navigation of vessels through treacherous waters.

Architecture and Materials

The Libby Island Light is characteristic of other lighthouses from this era, with its cylindrical tower standing at an impressive height. No specific information about materials used in its construction is available.

Light and Navigation

The Libby Island Light emits a white light that flashes every 20 seconds, visible for 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers). In emergency situations, the light reduces its intensity and switches to a flashing pattern. The fog signal is radio-activated, allowing mariners to activate it by tuning into channel 83A/157.175 MHz and keying their microphone five times consecutively.

Accessibility and Visiting

While visitors can reach Libby Island via boat or kayak, the lighthouse itself is not open to the public for safety reasons. However, enthusiasts can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Bay of Fundy from various vantage points on the island.

Notable Views and Landscape

The view from Libby Island offers breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Fundy, with its towering cliffs, rocky shores, and dramatic tides. Enthusiasts can also spot local wildlife, such as seals and seabirds, in their natural habitats. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a rugged coastline and strong tidal currents.

Anecdotes and Folklore

While there are no notable stories about the Libby Island Light itself, local folklore surrounding the Bay of Fundy and its maritime history are abundant. The area is known for its shipwrecks, historic lighthouses, and tales of bravery and sacrifice by mariners.

Technical and Operational Details

The Libby Island Light has been automated since 1971, with its original fog signal replaced by an electronic system. It continues to serve as an important aid to navigation for mariners today. The managing authority responsible for the lighthouse is the U.S. Coast Guard.

Further Information

For those interested in learning more about the Libby Island Light and its rich maritime history, several references are available:

• National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) entry: https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/76000117
• NOAA Electronic Navigation Chart US4ME50M (Approach): https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ds_mark.prl?PidBox=PD1001