Wood Island Light

Year Built

1808

Cost

$4,750

Type

Conical

Height

47 feet

Location

Biddeford

Automated Year

1986

First Lit

1858 (current tower)

Lens Type

In 2013, the VRB-25 was replaced by a VLB-44

Fog Signal

Horn: 2 every 30 seconds

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White with black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

George Woodward (1927-1934)

Description

An octagonal lighthouse and an accompanying one-story dwelling, measuring seventeen by twenty-six feet.

Brief History

•  Due to the substandard workmanship used in the 1839 lighthouse, another $5,000 had to be appropriated in 1854 for a third Wood Island Lighthouse.
•  1858, Keeper’s house and fog signal tower added. 4th order Fresnel lens installed.
•  In 1858, the new tower was renovated to allow the installation of a 4th-order Fresnel lens. The current keepers dwellings were also built then
•  In 1972 The lantern was removed to facilitate aero-beacon. A replacement lantern was added later.
•  A chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, was formed in 2003 to restore, maintain, and interpret the station.