Maine Lighthouses 6

West Quoddy Head Light 

 

Photo by:  Cherri

Located on the easternmost point of the continental United States, the red and white stripped lighthouse marks the southwest entrance to Quoddy Channel.  Why West Quoddy, you say, if it is the easternmost point?  There is an East Quoddy Light Station in New Brunswick on Campobello Island that is slightly north and to the east.

Photo by:  Cherri

Originally built of rubblestone in 1808 by order of Thomas Jefferson, the lighthouse received one of the nation's first fog bells in 1820.  The keeper was required to strike the bell by hand in foggy weather, a frequent occurrence in the nearby Bay of Fundy.  For his trouble, in 1827 Congress allotted the keeper and additional $60 annually.

The present 49' brick tower was erected in 1858, a one and a half story keeper's house was built and a third order Fresnel lens was installed.  In 1869 a trumpet fog whistle replaced the earlier bells, allowing the keeper to get a little more sleep.

The light was automated in 1988 and is now part of Quoddy Head State Park.