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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

NameSquirrel Point Lighthouse
CityArrowsic
CountryUsa
Coordinates43.8165305, -69.8023936
Year of construction1898
Eventsofficially built in 1898
Historic significanceaddressed concerns about maritime safety in the area
Storiesnumerous shipwrecks had occurred along the coast due to treacherous waters
Architectural styletraditional masonry techniques
ArchitectThomas A. Sears
Construction materialtraditional masonry techniques
Focal height12.2
Tower height7.6
Renovations1921: replaced first-order Fresnel lens with a third-order optic
Access descriptionvia Squirrel Point Trail
Accessibletrue
View descriptionstunning views of the coast and the nearby Sheepscot River
Guided toursfalse
Facilities{"toilets":true,"cafe":null,"gift shop":null}
Nearby attractionsSheepscot River
AIS Radarfalse
Automatedtrue