Name and Location

The Tenants Harbor Lighthouse, officially known as the Tenants Harbor Range Front Light, stands tall along the rugged coastline of Maine, USA. Its location is XR67+9Q, St. George, ME, approximately 43°58'15" N latitude and -69°11'18" W longitude.

Construction and History

Construction on the lighthouse began in 1855, with the light first illuminated in 1857. The original structure was a simple wooden tower, replaced by the current cast-iron construction in 1874. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone various renovations and modernizations to ensure its continued role as a vital aid to navigation.

Architecture and Materials

The Tenants Harbor Lighthouse stands at an impressive height of approximately 55 feet (16.7 meters), with a focal plane of about 70 feet (21.3 meters). Its distinctive red-and-white striped tower is adorned with a first-order Fresnel lens, providing a light range of 15 miles (24 kilometers).

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light characteristic is an alternating flash every 15 seconds, with a white light visible for 10 seconds and then obscured by the lantern room's louvers for 5 seconds. This pattern has been in use since the 19th century.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although automated in 1987, visitors can still access the lighthouse's grounds and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. The nearest town is St. George, with nearby attractions including the Tenants Harbor Village and the Knox County Coastal Route.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors to the lighthouse can expect breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the nearby islands of Vinalhaven and Matinicus visible on clear days. The surrounding area is characterized by rugged coastline, rocky outcroppings, and sandy beaches.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local lore, the lighthouse has been the subject of numerous ghost sightings and mysterious occurrences over the years. While these claims have not been substantiated, they add to the rich cultural heritage surrounding this historic landmark.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is currently managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, with maintenance and upkeep provided by local authorities. It may have been equipped with automated identification systems (AIS) or radar installations in the past.

Further Information

For more information on the Tenants Harbor Lighthouse, please visit the Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenants_Harbor_Light">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenants_Harbor_Light.