Baker Island Lighthouse History
Early History & Construction
The Baker Island Lighthouse was established in 1828 under the order of President John Quincy Adams. It was the first lighthouse built near Mount Desert Island, guiding ships entering Frenchman Bay. The original structure was wooden, placed at the highest point on Baker Island.
Structural Features & Upgrades
- In 1855, the lighthouse was rebuilt with a brick tower, replacing the earlier wooden structure.
- The lighthouse stands 43 feet tall with a cylindrical shape.
- A Fourth Order Fresnel Lens was initially installed, using whale oil before switching to lard oil.
- An oil house was added in 1895 to store fuel.
- In 1903, the tower was reinforced with an extra layer of bricks.
- Automation occurred in 1966, replacing the original Fresnel lens with a plastic lens.
Baker Island Lighthouse
Image Source Wikimedia Commons
Historical Significance
The lighthouse was essential for guiding ships to Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Today, the United States Coast Guard maintains the light while the **buildings are managed by Acadia National Park**.
Notable Keepers
- William Gilley (1828-1848)
- John Rich (1849-1853)
- Joseph Bunker (1853-1860)
- John Bunker (1860-1861)
- Freeman G. Young (1861-1867)
- Alden H. Jordan (1867-1883)
- Roscoe G. Lopaus (1883-1888)
- Howard P. Robbins (1888-1902)
- George Connors (c. 1902-1912)
- Vurney L. King (c. 1912 - ?)
- Joseph Muise (?-c.1936)
- F. Faulkingham (c. 1935)
- Wayne Edson Holcomb (1944-1945)
- Ernest Mathie (c. 1950)
- Coleman (c. 1950)
- Clements (c. 1953)
Sources & Further Reading
- Wikipedia - Detailed history and structural information.
- Lighthouse Friends - Stories about early lighthouse keepers.
- United States Coast Guard - Timeline of upgrades and keeper records.
- Baker’s Island Light - Preservation efforts and visitor information.