The Cuckolds Light facts for kids
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 The Cuckolds Light
Location in Maine
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| Location | Boothbay Harbor, Maine |
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| Coordinates | 43°46′46.2″N 69°39′0.017″W / 43.779500°N 69.65000472°W |
| Year first constructed | 1892 |
| Year first lit | 1907 (current structure) |
| Automated | 1975 |
| Tower shape | Octagonal Tower on Dwelling |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Focal height | 59 feet (18 m) |
| Original lens | 4th order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | VRB-25 |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 6s |
| Fog signal | HORN: 1 every 15s |
| USCG number | 1-5485 |
The Cuckolds Light is a historic lighthouse in Maine. It is also known as the Cuckolds Island Fog Signal and Light Station. This important landmark stands on small rocky islands called the "Cuckolds." These islands are located in Lincoln County, southeast of Cape Island. They are near Southport Island, which is south of Booth Bay. This area leads to Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
The Cuckolds Light helps guide ships safely. It was first set up in 1892 as a "daymark." This means it was a visible marker used during the day. It helped ships avoid the islets and a dangerous underwater rock called Collector Ledge. In 1893, a bell was added to warn ships in fog. A light was finally installed in 1907. The original keeper's house was taken down in 1974. However, it was rebuilt between 2010 and 2014. The lighthouse itself was also restored. The Cuckolds Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 2002. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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History of the Cuckolds Light
The United States Congress decided to fund the building of this lighthouse. They approved the project on August 30, 1890. The money, $25,000, was provided on March 3, 1891. Building the station started in 1892. It included powerful engines and large foghorns. These foghorns were called Daboll trumpets.
A lot of materials were used to build the lighthouse. This included granite, bricks, cement, sand, and stone. They also used a lot of lumber and iron. The granite was used to create a strong foundation. The lighthouse was then securely attached to this base. In 1956, a radio transmitter was added. This helped with communication.
How the Light Works
In 1907, a special Fresnel lens was put in place. This type of lens makes the light much brighter and more focused. Early on, the light used coal to power its system. It burned about seven tons of coal for 1000 hours of operation. Later, it switched to oil. It used 195 gallons of oil to run for 423 hours.
The original light was 24,000 candlepower strong. This came from an incandescent oil vapor lamp. By 1971, the light became much brighter. It reached 500,000 candlepower. This was thanks to an electric lamp and the fourth-order lens.
Deactivation and Transfer
The lighthouse stopped being used by the Coast Guard in 1974. It was then listed as extra property by the United States Coast Guard. A group called the Cuckolds Island Fog Signal and Light Station Council was formed. This non-profit group wanted to save the lighthouse. They submitted a long plan, which was accepted. The ownership of the lighthouse was officially transferred to them on May 8, 2006.
The Lighthouse Today
In June 2014, the Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse opened. The old keeper's house was rebuilt into this inn. The lighthouse itself was also restored. It is now a fancy place to stay. It offers a luxurious experience for visitors.
The original Fresnel lens was removed when the light was stopped in 1974. It is now kept at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland. The lighthouse still helps guide ships. It uses a modern VRB-25 light. The Coast Guard continues to maintain this important navigation aid.
