Monhegan Island Light facts for kids
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| Location | Monhegan Island, Maine |
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| Coordinates | 43°45′53″N 69°18′57″W / 43.76483°N 69.31576°W |
| Year first lit | 1850 (current structure) |
| Automated | 1959 |
| Foundation | Surface rock |
| Construction | Granite blocks |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical Tower |
| Markings / pattern | Lt. List says White, but photos show unpainted light gray-brown granite |
| Focal height | 178 feet (54 m) |
| Original lens | VRB-25 |
| Range | 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 15s |
| Fog signal | 1854: Bell 1870: Manana Island Sound Signal Station |
The Monhegan Island Light is a historic lighthouse found on Monhegan Island in Maine. It was first lit in 1824 to guide ships safely along the coast. The lighthouse building you see today was constructed in 1850. It was one of the last big designs by a famous architect named Alexander Parris. This lighthouse is the second tallest in Maine. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 7, 1980, as a very important landmark.
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What is the Monhegan Island Light like?
The Monhegan Island Light stands on a high hill near the middle of Monhegan Island. The lighthouse area includes the tall tower, the keeper's house, a storage building, and an oil house. The tower is round and made from strong granite blocks. It is about 47 feet (14 m) tall. A special lantern house sits on top of the tower.
A small brick building with a pointed roof is attached to the tower's south side. The storage building is made of wood. The oil house is a small brick building with a gabled roof. The keeper's house is a 1+1⁄2-story wooden building. It is now used as the Monhegan Museum.
When was the Monhegan Island Light built?
The idea for the light station was approved by the government in 1822. It started working in 1824. The tower that stands today was built in 1850. The lighthouse became automated in 1959. This means it runs by itself and is controlled from far away. It is managed from the Manana Island Sound Signal Station.
What is the Monhegan Museum?
The buildings around the lighthouse are now home to the Monhegan Museum. This museum shows off the island's interesting history. You can learn about its nature, people, industries, culture, and art. The United States Coast Guard still operates the light inside the tower. However, the Monhegan Museum owns the tower itself. They sometimes open it to visitors during the season.
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