Bear Island (Maine) facts for kids
Bear Island is a small island in Maine, United States. It is about 11 acres (4.5 hectares) in size. This island is one of five islands that make up the town of Cranberry Isles. You can find Bear Island just off the coast of Northeast Harbor, south of Mount Desert Island.
Bear Island Lighthouse
The famous Bear Island Light stands on the western side of the island. This lighthouse was built in 1889. For many years, people called "keepers" lived and worked there. They made sure the light guided ships safely. The lighthouse was staffed until 1981.
Today, the Bear Island Light is no longer managed by the government. It is now a private light that still helps boats navigate. The lighthouse building itself is also a private home.
Island Ownership
Most of Bear Island has been owned by the same family for a very long time. The Dunbar family has owned the island since the 1880s. A professor from Harvard University named Charles Franklin Dunbar bought the island around 1884 or 1886. His family has kept it ever since.
