Fort Point Lighthouse

About

Introduction:

Fort Point Lighthouse stands 88 feet above the entrance to the Penobscot River on Fort Point about six miles north of he town of Castine, Maine. The light has a fixed (not flashing) white light and a fog signal that sounds a blast every 10 seconds during foggy periods.

Constructed of brick, the white and black lighthouse is skirted by a white and red light keeper’s house, fog bell tower, garage, oil house and barn. The original fourth order Fresnel lens is still in service.

History:

The original light station light station was established here in 1836, and the lighthouse was constructed in 1857. The United States Coast Guard automated the light in 1988.

Navigating in and Around the Lighthouse:

Use NOAA Chart 13309.

Fort Point marks the beginning of the approach to the mouth of the Penobscot River on its east shore. Be sure to honor the fixed red flashing light at Fort Point Ledge, just south of the lighthouse, as depths shallow quickly and a rock outcropping is bare at all times

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tour Schedule:

The grounds are open and accessible to the public, although the lighthouse itself can only be viewed with prior arrangements. The entire property is part of the Fort Point Historic Site.