Petit Manan Lighthouse, ME

Petit Manan Lighthouse, ME

First established in1817, the current Petit Manan lighthouse was built in 1855.

The tower is the second tallest in Maine at 119 feet tall.

When built, it was fitted with a second order Fresnel Lens; the second most powerful available.

Iron tie rods were added to strengthen the lighthouse In 1887. Because of the amount of fog in the area, a fog bell was added in 1855 which was then replaced in 1869 with a steam powered fog horn.

It was electrified, and converted to an aerobeacon, in 1938 and automated in 1972. It currently houses a VRB-25 aerobeacon. The original Fresnel lens is on display at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.

Other buildings that can be seen in the photographs include the keeper's house from 1875, the engine house and the fog signal building.

A postcard of the lighthouse taken around 1909. Credit The Smithsonian

A postcard of the lighthouse taken around 1945. Credit The Smithsonian

First established in1817, the current Petit Manan lighthouse was built in 1855.

Back

Next