Owls Head Lighthouse

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Owls Head Lighthouse

History of Owls Head Lighthouse

Overview

Owls Head Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Rockland Harbor on western Penobscot Bay in Owls Head, Maine, is a historic beacon known for its scenic beauty and intriguing tales. Standing atop an 80-foot bluff, the 30-foot cylindrical brick tower, painted white with a black lantern, projects a light 100 feet above sea level. Established in 1825 and rebuilt in 1852, it remains an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation, managed by the American Lighthouse Foundation. The lighthouse is part of the 13-acre Owls Head State Park and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Establishment and Early History (1825–1850s)

The growing lime trade in Rockland and Thomaston necessitated a lighthouse to guide ships safely into Rockland Harbor. On May 26, 1824, President John Quincy Adams authorized the construction of Owls Head Lighthouse, appropriating $4,000. Contractors Jeremiah Berry, Ballard Green, and Major Rober Foster built a 15-foot conical rubblestone tower and a small rubblestone keeper’s dwelling for $2,707.79. The light, equipped with eight oil lamps and 15-inch reflectors, was first lit in 1825 with Isaac Stearns, a War of 1812 veteran, as its first keeper. The tower’s condition deteriorated quickly; an 1831 report described it as “the most miserable one on the whole coast.” It was rebuilt in 1852 with a brick tower on a granite foundation. In 1856, a fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed, still in use today, making it one of the few remaining in Maine.

A notable early incident involved Stearns’ wife, Lucy, who was nearly blown off the cliff by a gust of wind while trimming the wicks, highlighting the perilous conditions. A system of walkways and stairs connecting the dwelling to the lighthouse was not added until 1874.

The Frozen Couple Rescue (1850)

One of the most famous stories associated with Owls Head Lighthouse is the “Frozen Couple” rescue during a fierce storm on December 22, 1850. A schooner anchored at Jameson’s Point, carrying Richard B. Ingraham, seaman Roger Elliott, and Lydia Dyer (Ingraham’s fiancée), broke free when its cables snapped. The vessel ran aground on icy ledges south of the lighthouse. The three survivors wrapped themselves in woolen blankets to fend off freezing spray. Keeper Henry Achorn discovered them encased in ice, brought them to the keeper’s house, and thawed them by the fire. Remarkably, all survived and later married. This tale of resilience remains a cornerstone of the lighthouse’s lore.

Spot, the Bell-Ringing Dog (1930s)

In the 1930s, a springer spaniel named Spot, owned by a keeper, became a local legend. Spot learned to pull the fog bell rope with his teeth, barking to greet passing ships. During a 1931 blizzard, a mail boat to Matinicus nearly ran aground when the fog bell was inoperable due to snow. Spot’s persistent barking alerted the captain, who steered clear of the rocks just in time, earning Spot fame as a maritime hero.

Haunted Legends

Owls Head Lighthouse is ranked as Coastal Living magazine’s most haunted lighthouse, with tales of ghostly presences. The “Little Lady” is said to linger in the keeper’s house, often seen in the kitchen or at windows, bringing a sense of peace despite rattling silverware or slamming doors. Another spirit, possibly an old sea captain, was reported by keeper’s daughter Claire Graham as an imaginary friend who used nautical terms like “foghorn on.” Mysterious footprints in the snow, leading to the tower, and a polished lens found behind an open door add to the eerie lore.

Modern Era and Preservation

The lighthouse was automated in 1989, ending the era of resident keepers. The last civilian keeper, Douglas L. Larrabee, retired in 1963, followed by Coast Guard keepers until automation. In 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard leased the lighthouse to the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF), which restored it in 2010 with structural repairs and lantern refurbishment. The keeper’s house, built in 1854, now serves as ALF’s interpretive center and headquarters. The grounds are open year-round, with tower climbs available from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, offering views of Penobscot Bay and the fourth-order Fresnel lens.

Visiting Owls Head Lighthouse

Located in Owls Head State Park, the lighthouse is accessible via a short trail from the parking lot off Route 73. The park offers picnic areas, a rocky beach, and panoramic views of Penobscot Bay. Visitors can climb the wooden stairs to the lighthouse, but the keeper’s house is restricted to guided tours. The site is open 9 AM to sunset, with no admission fee. The lighthouse can also be viewed from the Rockland-Vinalhaven ferry or local cruise vessels.

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