Lubec Channel Light facts for kids
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 Lubec Channel Light
Location in Maine
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| Location | Lubec, Maine |
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| Coordinates | 44°50′31.387″N 66°58′35.822″W / 44.84205194°N 66.97661722°W |
| Year first constructed | 1890 |
| Automated | 1968 |
| Tower shape | Conical Tower |
| Markings / pattern | White tower on black pier |
| Focal height | 53 feet (16 m) |
| Current lens | 6.1 inches (155 mm) |
| Range | 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 6s |
| Fog signal | HORN: 1 every 15s |
| Admiralty number | H4161 |
| ARLHS number | USA-459 |
| USCG number | 1-860 |
The Lubec Channel Light is a special kind of lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. It's often called a "sparkplug lighthouse" because of its unique shape, which looks a bit like a sparkplug! This lighthouse was built in 1890. It's one of only three sparkplug lighthouses still standing in Maine today.
This lighthouse was super important for boats. It helped them find their way safely from the Bay of Fundy to places like Eastport, Maine and the St. Croix River. The Lubec Channel Light stands in shallow water, about 500 feet (152 meters) from the border between Canada and the United States.
Because of its history, the Lubec Channel Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 1988. In 2007, the lighthouse was sold to a private owner through an auction.
About the Lubec Channel Light
The town of Lubec is located in the very eastern part of Maine. It sits right across the international border from Campobello Island in Canada. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge connects these two areas.
South of this bridge, there is a shallow bay. This bay opens up into the Gulf of Maine after passing West Quoddy Head Light. In the 1880s, a special channel was dug through these shallow waters.
Why the Lighthouse Was Needed
This new channel was created to help big ships. It made it easier for them to travel to and from busy port towns. These towns included Lubec, Eastport, and Calais.
In 1883, a report suggested that a light was needed on this channel. This light would help guide ships safely. Money for the lighthouse was approved in 1888. The Lubec Channel Light officially began operating in 1890.
How the Lighthouse Works
The lighthouse is located on the west side of the channel. It sits on a strong concrete base that is set into the muddy bottom of the channel. The bottom part of the lighthouse is a round, cast-iron base. This base widens out to hold a large deck.
Originally, this deck had a roof over it, but now it is open. Above this, the main tower rises. It has a railing around its top. A narrower third section supports the lantern house, which also has a deck and railing around it.
The very top of the lantern house has a round vent. The light itself is 53 feet (16 meters) above the average high-water mark. This lighthouse was updated in 1939 to work automatically, meaning it no longer needed someone to operate it all the time.
