Pumpkin Island Light facts for kids
 |
|
| US Coast Guard photo | |
 Pumpkin Island Light
Location in Maine
|
|
| Location | Pumpkin Island, Deer Isle, Maine |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°18′33″N 68°44′34.4″W / 44.30917°N 68.742889°W |
| Year first constructed | 1854 |
| Automated | 1930 |
| Deactivated | 1933 |
| Foundation | Stone |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Conical Tower |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Height | 25 feet (7.6 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth Order Fresnel Lens |
Pumpkin Island Light is a lighthouse located on Pumpkin Island. This island is found at the entrance to Eggemoggin Reach, a water channel in central-eastern Maine. The lighthouse was first built in 1854. It helped ships navigate the waters until it was no longer used in 1933.
The lighthouse and its buildings are now privately owned. In 1988, the Pumpkin Island Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
About Pumpkin Island Light
Pumpkin Island is a small island, about 3 acres (1.2 ha) in size. It is located near Little Deer Island, on the eastern side of Penobscot Bay. The Eggemoggin Reach channel, which the lighthouse helped guide ships through, connects Penobscot Bay to Blue Hill Bay.
In 1852, officials decided to build a lighthouse on Pumpkin Island. Its job was to mark the northwestern end of the channel. Construction of the lighthouse began in 1854, and it started working the next year.
What the Lighthouse Looks Like
The lighthouse tower is round and made of brick. It stands about 22 feet (6.7 m) tall from its base to the light. At the top, there is an eight-sided lantern house. This part was added around 1890, replacing an older, larger one. An iron walkway with a railing goes around the lantern house.
The tower has two windows. A small wooden workroom connects the tower to the keeper's house. The keeper's house is a small, one-story building made of wood. It has a wing that was added in 1887.
Near the house, there is a small brick building called an oil house. This is where the oil for the lamp was stored. There is also a wooden boathouse, built in 1885, at the north end of the island. It was made bigger in 1906.
History of the Light Station
The Pumpkin Island Light Station was part of a big plan to help ships navigate safely. This plan was created in the early 1850s for the eastern side of Penobscot Bay. The lighthouse operated for many years, guiding ships through the channel.
In 1933, the lighthouse was no longer needed. It was then sold to private owners. Since that time, the island and all its buildings have remained in private hands.
