Winter Harbor Light facts for kids
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 Winter Harbor Light
Location in Maine
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| Location | Winter Harbor, Maine |
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| Coordinates | 44°18′33″N 68°44′34.4″W / 44.30917°N 68.742889°W |
| Year first constructed | 1856 |
| Deactivated | 1933 |
| Foundation | Brick |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical Tower, attached Dwelling |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Height | 19 feet (5.8 m) |
| Original lens | 5th order Fresnel lens |
| ARLHS number | USA-900 |
The Winter Harbor Light is a historic lighthouse located in Winter Harbor, Maine. It stands on Mark Island, a small island found between the Schoodic Peninsula and Turtle Island. This spot is very close to the main entrance of the town's harbor.
The lighthouse was built in 1856. It helped ships find their way until 1933, when it was turned off. Today, it is no longer used to guide boats. The lighthouse is now owned by a private person. In 1988, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical places in the United States.
Contents
What Does the Lighthouse Look Like?
The Winter Harbor Light Station is on Mark Island, which is about 2.75 acres big. The station has four main buildings. The most important one is the lighthouse tower connected to the keeper's house.
The Lighthouse Tower
The tower was built in 1856. It is round and made of brick. On top, there is an octagonal (eight-sided) lantern house. This is where the light used to shine from. An iron walkway and railing go around the top of the tower.
A small brick workroom sticks out from the tower. It connects to the keeper's house with a wooden hallway.
The Keeper's House
The keeper's house is a two-story building made of wood. It was built in 1876. This new house replaced the first keeper's house that was there.
Other Buildings
Besides the tower and house, there are other buildings on the island. There is a small wooden shed, but we don't know exactly when it was built. There is also a small brick oilhouse from 1905. This building stored the oil used for the light. Finally, there is a boathouse that was built in 1878.
History of the Light
The Winter Harbor Light started working in 1856. It used a special type of light called a Fresnel lens. This lens made the light very bright and easy to see from far away. The lighthouse helped local fishing boats find their way safely.
In 1934, the lighthouse was turned off and sold. It is still privately owned today. The light does not shine anymore, but the buildings remain as a piece of history.
