Owls Head Light

Year Built

1825

Cost

$2707.79

Type

Cylindrical

Height

30 feet

Location

Owls Head

Automated Year

1989

First Lit

1825

Lens Type

Fourth order Fresnel Lens

Fog Signal

Horn: 2 every 20s

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White with black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Malcolm Rouse (1988 – 1989)

Description

The light station is a round, rubblestone tower and was rebuilt in 1852, on a granite foundation standing on top a cliff. In 1854, a keeper's house was built separately from the lighthouse.

Brief History

•  In 1831, Captain Derby of the Revenue Cutter Morris wrote “ [Owls Head Light is] the most miserable one on the whole coast & I am fearful it will not stand till spring.”
•  In an 1845 inspection report, Collector John Anderson wrote that he “found Owls Head in good condition except the glass in the lantern.
•  In 1903, a covered way, about sixty feet long, was placed over the stairs linking the oil house and lighthouse, and three years later, it was extended about 100 feet to reach the dwelling.
•  In the 1930’s Keeper Augustus Hamor had a dog named Spot and would bark a warning to passing ships.
•  Owls Head was automated in 1989, but Coast Guard personnel continue to use the keeper’s dwelling as a residence.