Ram Island Light facts for kids
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 Ram Island Light
Location in Maine
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| Location | south of Boothbay Harbor, Maine |
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| Coordinates | 43°48′14.2″N 69°35′57.7″W / 43.803944°N 69.599361°W |
| Year first constructed | 1883 |
| Automated | 1965 |
| Foundation | Granite Caisson |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical Tower |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Focal height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Range | 11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi) & 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Characteristic | Iso R 6s with 2 W sectors |
| Fog signal | HORN: 1 every 30s |
| USCG number | 1-5420 |
Ram Island Light is a special lighthouse near Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It stands just off Ram Island. This lighthouse helps guide ships safely into Boothbay Harbor. It also marks the western side of the Damariscotta River's entrance.
The lighthouse was built a long time ago, in 1883. It started working on its own, or was 'automated,' in 1965. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It is officially known as the Ram Island Light Station.
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About Ram Island Light
Ram Island is one of many islands along the eastern coast of Boothbay. These islands stretch south from Ocean Point. Ocean Point is the southernmost tip of the mainland town of Boothbay.
Ram Island is very close to another island called Fisherman's Island. A small channel separates the two. Ram Island Light is located about 100 feet (30 meters) north of Ram Island itself.
How the Lighthouse is Built
The lighthouse tower has a strong base made of ashlar granite. From this base, the main part of the tower rises. This part is made of brick. At the very top is a polygonal, or many-sided, lantern house.
An iron walkway and railing surround the lantern house. A ventilator cap sits on top. Today, the lantern house holds a modern light. The tower used to be connected to Ram Island by a raised walkway.
On the island, you can still find the keeper's house. This is where the lighthouse keeper used to live. There is also a fuel house and a small brick oil house. These buildings are made of wood.
Why Ram Island Light Was Needed
By the late 1800s, Boothbay Harbor was a very busy place. It was a major center for trade and building ships in Mid Coast Maine. More and more tourists were also visiting. Regular steamship services brought people from cities further south.
Because of all this activity, a lighthouse was needed. Ram Island Light was built in 1883. Its job was to mark the eastern entrance to the busy harbor area. It also showed the way to the western approach of the Damariscotta River. The light was updated to work automatically in 1965. This meant a keeper no longer needed to live there.
Images for kids
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The lighthouse in 2008
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