Goose Rocks Lighthouse

The Goose Rocks Lighthouse was built in 1890 to serve as an aid to navigation at the eastern entrance of the Fox Islands Thoroughfare, a busy passage separating North Haven from Vinalhaven in Penobscot Bay.

History

• The lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters) above the sea level. Its focal height is believed to be around 80 feet (24 meters), allowing it to reach outwards across the bay.
• The structure was designed with a sparkplug lantern room, which features a distinctive glass lens that projects a beam of light outward.
• The lighthouse was constructed using local materials, including granite and wood. It has undergone several restorations over the years to maintain its integrity and ensure continued functionality as an aid to navigation.

Light Characteristics

The Goose Rocks Lighthouse emits a fixed white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers). The light's pattern is typically displayed in a three-second flash every two seconds, serving as a reliable warning to mariners navigating the area.

Current Status

Despite being built over 130 years ago, the Goose Rocks Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation. It has been automated and is now managed by a preservation group that owns the structure. The lighthouse continues to serve its purpose in guiding vessels safely through the Fox Islands Thoroughfare.

Location and Accessibility

The Goose Rocks Lighthouse is situated on Indian Point Road, near North Haven, Maine. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the parking area, which offers stunning views of Penobscot Bay.

Heritage Status

The Goose Rocks Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, recognizing its significance as a historic landmark and aid to navigation. The structure is now privately owned by a preservation group dedicated to maintaining its integrity and ensuring continued functionality.

Notable Historical Events

While specific details are not available, it is known that the Goose Rocks Lighthouse has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners navigating the Fox Islands Thoroughfare.

Architecture and Construction

• The lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters) above the sea level. Its focal height is believed to be around 80 feet (24 meters), allowing it to reach outwards across the bay.
• The structure was designed with a sparkplug lantern room, which features a distinctive glass lens that projects a beam of light outward.
• The lighthouse was constructed using local materials, including granite and wood. It has undergone several restorations over the years to maintain its integrity and ensure continued functionality as an aid to navigation.

Light Characteristics

The Goose Rocks Lighthouse emits a fixed white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers). The light's pattern is typically displayed in a three-second flash every two seconds, serving as a reliable warning to mariners navigating the area.

Notable Historical Events

While specific details are not available, it is known that the Goose Rocks Lighthouse has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners navigating the Fox Islands Thoroughfare.

Current Status

Despite being built over 130 years ago, the Goose Rocks Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation. It has been automated and is now managed by a preservation group that owns the structure. The lighthouse continues to serve its purpose in guiding vessels safely through the Fox Islands Thoroughfare.

Heritage Status

The Goose Rocks Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, recognizing its significance as a historic landmark and aid to navigation. The structure is now privately owned by a preservation group dedicated to maintaining its integrity and ensuring continued functionality.