Squirrel Point Lighthouse
R58X+J2 Arrowsic, ME, USA
Name and Location
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse is located in Arrowsic, Sagadahoc County, Maine, USA.
Construction and History
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse was built in 1898 to address concerns about maritime safety in the area. Prior to its construction, numerous shipwrecks had occurred along the coast due to treacherous waters and lack of navigation aids. The lighthouse was designed by architect Thomas A. Sears and constructed using traditional masonry techniques.
Architecture and Materials
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse features a distinctive cylindrical tower with a square base and an octagonal lantern room. The structure is topped with a red iron roof, which is visible from afar, helping to guide mariners in the darkness.
Light and Navigation
Initially, the Squirrel Point Lighthouse was manually operated by a keeper who lived on site. In 1960, the Coast Guard automated the light, and it has remained so ever since. Although no longer used for navigation purposes, the lighthouse remains an important part of Maine's maritime heritage.
Accessibility and Visiting
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse is open to the public and can be accessed via the Squirrel Point Trail. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding area, which offers stunning views of the coast and the nearby Sheepscot River.
Notable Views and Landscape
- No information available for this section.
Anecdotes and Folklore
- No information available for this section.
Technical and Operational Details
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse stands at a height of 7.6 meters (25 feet) and features a focal plane of 12.2 meters (40 feet). The original first-order Fresnel lens was replaced in 1921 with a third-order optic.
Further Information
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 (NRHP #87002281).
Details
Name | Squirrel Point Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Arrowsic |
Country | Usa |
Coordinates | 43.8165305, -69.8023936 |
Year of construction | 1898 |
Events | officially built in 1898 |
Historic significance | addressed concerns about maritime safety in the area |
Stories | numerous shipwrecks had occurred along the coast due to treacherous waters |
Architectural style | traditional masonry techniques |
Architect | Thomas A. Sears |
Construction material | traditional masonry techniques |
Focal height | 12.2 |
Tower height | 7.6 |
Renovations | 1921: replaced first-order Fresnel lens with a third-order optic |
Access description | via Squirrel Point Trail |
Accessible | true |
View description | stunning views of the coast and the nearby Sheepscot River |
Guided tours | false |
Facilities | {"toilets":true,"cafe":null,"gift shop":null} |
Nearby attractions | Sheepscot River |
AIS Radar | false |
Automated | true |