Name and Location

The Bear Island Light Station is located on Bear Island, Cranberry Isles, Hancock County, Maine, USA (coordinates: 44.2834261° N, -68.2699054° W).

Construction and History

The Bear Island Light Station was constructed in 1857, during the era of wooden lighthouses. The original tower was built on a granite foundation, with a height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters). In 1932, a new, more substantial tower was erected, made of steel and reaching a height of around 65 feet (20 meters).

Architecture and Materials

The light station's architectural style is reminiscent of the typical Maine coastal lighthouses of the mid-19th century. The current structure features a square base with a conical roof and a lantern room at the top.

Light and Navigation

The Bear Island Light Station originally exhibited a fixed white light, which was replaced in 1932 by a more modern optic system featuring a flashing white light with a range of approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers).

Accessibility and Visiting

The Bear Island Light Station is currently not open to the public for visitation or tours. However, its remote location and limited accessibility make it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful, natural experience.

Notable Views and Landscape

Bear Island is part of the Cranberry Isles archipelago, located off the coast of Hancock County, Maine. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged coastline, rocky shores, and dense forests.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore available.

Technical and Operational Details

In the mid-20th century, the lighthouse was automated, eliminating the need for manual operation. Today, the light is no longer actively used as an aid to navigation.

Further Information

The Bear Island Light Station has been documented as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) since 1984, recognizing its importance in American maritime history. For more information on the lighthouse's history and significance, please refer to the Wikipedia article "en:Bear Island Light" or consult the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geonames database.