Deer Island Thorofare Light Station
47MW+PM Stonington, ME, USA
Name and Location
Deer Island Thorofare Light Station is located at 47MW+PM Stonington, ME, USA, situated on Deer Island in Hancock County, Maine.
Construction and History
The Deer Island Thorofare Light Station was constructed in 1932 during the Great Depression era. It has been serving mariners since its inception.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse is an excellent example of a turret-style lighthouse designed to withstand harsh marine environments. The tower stands at 35 feet tall with a focal height of 125 feet above sea level, constructed from granite and concrete for durability.
Light and Navigation
The original light featured a third-order Fresnel lens, replaced by a magnetic compass in 1980. The light characteristic has been Fl (3) W 15s since its inception, signifying a flashing white light every 15 seconds. Today, the lighthouse is automated and operated remotely by the United States Coast Guard.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the Deer Island Thorofare Light Station via a short walk from the parking area to the tower. The lighthouse is situated on a small island in the Penobscot Bay, surrounded by scenic coastal views and wildlife habitats.
Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and small fish populations. The lighthouse stands amidst a picturesque landscape of rocky shores, sandy beaches, and dense forests.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Local folklore tells the story of lighthouse keepers who bravely weathered storms to ensure the light remained operational, guiding vessels safely through treacherous waters.
Technical and Operational Details
The Deer Island Thorofare Light Station is an automated lighthouse operated remotely by the United States Coast Guard. Although no longer used for navigation purposes, it remains an important beacon for local fishermen and boaters.
Further Information
- For additional information on the Deer Island Thorofare Light Station and its surrounding region, consult the following resources: United States Coast Guard (USCG) historical records, National Park Service (NPS) archives, and Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) publications.
Details
Name | Deer Island Thorofare Light Station |
---|---|
City | |
Country | Usa |
Coordinates | 44.134369, -68.7032531 |
Year of construction | 1932 |
Events | shipwrecks or rescues |
Keeper stories | quotes from former lighthouse keepers |
Stories | local folklore tells the story of lighthouse keepers |
Architectural style | turret-style lighthouse |
Construction material | "granite and concrete" |
Focal height | 125 |
Tower height | 35 |
Heritage status | true |
Renovations | converted to magnetic compass in 1980 |
Access description | walk from parking area to tower |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rocky shores, sandy beaches, dense forests |
View description | scenic coastal views and wildlife habitats |
Guided tours | false |
Facilities | toilets, cafe, gift shop |
AIS Radar | false |
Light characteristic | "Fl (3) W 15s" |
Automated | true |