Curtis Island Light facts for kids
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| US Coast Guard photo | |
 Curtis Island Light
Location in Maine
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| Location | Outside of Camden Harbor in Penobscot Bay, Camden, Maine |
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| Coordinates | 44°12′4.918″N 69°2′55.891″W / 44.20136611°N 69.04885861°W |
| Year first constructed | 1835 |
| Year first lit | 1896 (current structure) |
| Automated | 1972 |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical brick tower |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Focal height | 52 feet (16 m) |
| Range | 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) |
| Characteristic | Oc G 4s |
| Fog signal | none |
| USCG number | 1-4310 |
The Curtis Island Light, once called the Negro Island Light, is a lighthouse that helps guide ships into the harbor of Camden, Maine. It stands on Curtis Island, which protects the harbor from big ocean storms. The first light was set up here in 1835. The lighthouse you see today was built in 1896. This light became automatic in 1972, meaning it no longer needed a person to operate it. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 because of its important history.
Contents
What is Curtis Island Light?
A lighthouse is like a traffic signal for boats. It shines a bright light to help sailors find their way and avoid dangerous areas, especially at night or in bad weather. The Curtis Island Light guides ships safely into Camden Harbor.
Where is the Lighthouse Located?
Curtis Island is a small island, about 5 acres in size, located just off Dillingham Point. This point marks the southern entrance to Camden Harbor. Most of the island is covered with trees. The lighthouse and its buildings are on the southeastern part of the island.
What Does the Lighthouse Look Like?
The lighthouse complex includes a round brick tower where the light shines from. There's also a two-story wooden house where the lighthouse keeper used to live. You can also see a small brick building for oil and a toolshed. A path connects these buildings to the dock, which is on the sheltered side of the island.
A Brief History of the Light
The island was known as Negro Island until 1934. It was then renamed Curtis Island to honor Cyrus H. K. Curtis. He was a famous publisher and a generous person who often visited the area.
When Was the Lighthouse Built?
The first lighthouse was approved in 1835 and started working in 1836. The current keeper's house was built in 1889, using the foundation of the first house. The lighthouse tower we see today was built a few years later, in 1896.
More Than Just a Light
Besides guiding ships into Camden Harbor, the lighthouse also had another important job. It served as a signal tower for ships heading to Bangor. This helped them navigate safely along the coast.
The Lighthouse Today
In 1970, some people from the local community worked together to save the lighthouse. They convinced the United States Coast Guard to give the light to the town instead of selling it. Now, Curtis Island is a town park that everyone can visit and enjoy. The light became automated in 1972, so it works by itself. A caretaker hired by the town now looks after the property.
Images for kids
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An aerial view of Curtis Island Light on Curtis Island.
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Lighthouse at Camden, Maine, an oil painting by Fitz Henry Lane, 1851. This painting is now at the Yale University Art Gallery.
